A-
New England Patriots
The Patriots let Marks fall into their laps, and walked away with a A-.
by EMANPATSFAN ·
2025 NFL Draft
· 9 picks
· 3 steals
· 4 reaches
Somewhere a general manager is explaining how Woody Marks got past him. The Patriots do not have to explain a thing at pick No. 219. A near-flawless weekend of work, and a A- to cap it.
The trade ledger is the best part of the whole weekend. The edge rusher spot stays a question, and it was the one they most needed an answer at. They are betting McLaughlin proves the room right and everyone else wrong.
The hoard sets up next April more than it helps this September.
It is a haul that will look even better come September.
Pick-by-Pick
No edge and no loss on Aireontae Ersery in Round 2, Pick 17; it is a wash and a sensible one. The roster fit checks out.
Deone Walker at slot 69 is a sensible buy, a touch better than market for the interior defensive lineman. The one spot they could not leave alone, and did not.
Danny Stutsman at pick No. 77 jumps the queue by a touch more than is comfortable. Useful body for a position without much behind the starter.
They paid up for Gunnar Helm at No. 81 when waiting would have done the job. A sensible fit that makes the depth chart a little sturdier.
Nice patience on Jaylin Noel, who had no business lasting to the 105th pick. A must-fix position, and they treated it like one.
A top-tier offensive lineman at a bargain, Anthony Belton in the 145th overall pick, plain and simple. It shores up a spot that genuinely needed the help.
Woody Marks in the Round 7 slot is a gift, value that borders on unfair. A sensible fit for a spot that needed help.
Seth McLaughlin at pick 222 is a clear overpay, with better names still on the board. A need, and now a little less of one.
They went early on Jaylin Smith in the 240th pick, and the value did not follow. A minor need, but a need all the same.