C+
New England Patriots
Quarterback settled, Daniels in the fold, and a C+ for the Patriots.
by mikev ·
2024 NFL Draft
· 9 picks
· 1 steals
· 3 reaches
The Patriots spent the pick that matters most on Jayden Daniels, and a roster that has been waiting on a passer can start to take shape.
If Coker pans out, nobody remembers the price. If not, this is the pick they hear about. The Watson steal is the beam this whole class leans on.
The edge rusher spot stays a question, and it was the one they most needed an answer at. Wide receiver was the priority and it is no longer a question, which is most of the job.
Call it incomplete, and check back in a couple of seasons.
Pick-by-Pick
In pick 3 they get a passer to set the clock by. A real need, handled.
A market-rate offensive lineman, with the board and the slot shaking hands on JC Latham. The roster fit checks out.
A reasonable price with a little left over, Adonai Mitchell in Round 2, Pick 4. The one spot they could not leave alone, and did not.
A straight-up fair deal on Devontez Walker at pick No. 67, value and slot in agreement. A glaring weakness, addressed head on.
Jaylin Simpson at the Round 5 slot is neither steal nor reach, just the going rate. Useful depth more than a marquee fix.
They reached a country mile for Jared Wiley at the 180th pick, and the board is aghast. A sensible fit that makes the depth chart a little sturdier.
They reached into another round for Caedan Wallace, and the board is nowhere close to agreeing. A real hole, addressed with a reasonable pick.
Value said wait; Jalen Coker in the 222nd overall pick says they were not listening. Better still, it is exactly the hole they had to fill.
You do not let a linebacker like Nathaniel Watson reach No. 231 and blink. They did not. A minor need, but a need all the same.