B-
New England Patriots
Best value of the weekend goes to the Patriots for Noel: B-.
by bjewel ·
2025 NFL Draft
· 9 picks
· 3 steals
· 2 reaches
The board owed the Patriots one, and it paid up: Jaylin Noel, the No. 95 name on the board, sitting there at pick No. 144 like a gift left on the doorstep.
That edge rusher hole did not close this weekend, and it was the biggest one on the wall. Reaching for Lindenberg left real value on the table behind him.
On the needs board they went 5 of 8, with wide receiver the one that mattered most. The back end got a real overhaul.
All told, a draft that does its job without fuss, and there is real value in that.
Pick-by-Pick
Fair-plus on Travis Hunter, a quiet win that adds up over a draft. Not urgent, but hardly pointless.
A conviction pick on Aireontae Ersery at pick 38 that the board grades a round light. A need, and now a little less of one.
A straight-up fair deal on Jayden Higgins at pick No. 69, value and slot in agreement. The one spot they could not leave alone, and did not.
A tidy little value on Tate Ratledge in the 77th overall pick, a step better than break-even. A sensible fit that makes the depth chart a little sturdier.
Nothing to complain about; Kevin Winston Jr. went a shade earlier than his grade, which is fine. It also answers one of the loudest questions on the roster.
Steal is underselling it; Jaylin Noel at No. 144 is a heist with the alarm still ringing. That was the need underlined and circled, and now it is checked off.
JJ Pegues in the Round 7 slot is the kind of fall that makes a whole class. The biggest hole on the depth chart just got a whole lot smaller.
Nice patience on Kyle Monangai, who had no business lasting to Round 7, Pick 4. A real hole, addressed with a reasonable pick.
Value said wait; Cody Lindenberg in No. 238 says they were not listening. A minor itch, scratched.