B+
New England Patriots
The Patriots finally solved quarterback, and it carried them to a B+.
by EMANPATSFAN ·
2024 NFL Draft
· 10 picks
· 3 steals
· 2 reaches
They finally answered the question that shadows every other one. Drake Maye is the Patriots' quarterback, full stop. Solid and sensible more than spectacular: a B+.
The Jones pick alone nudges the whole weekend up a notch. They robbed the room blind at the table, and it lifts the grade on its own.
Every board in the league had McLachlan lower, and that gap is the story. For all the activity, interior defensive lineman went untouched, which is hard to explain.
All told, a solid class that does its job everywhere but interior defensive lineman.
Pick-by-Pick
In the 4th pick they get the arm they will build around. A real need, handled.
In pick 27 they get protection for the quarterback at fair value. A clean fit for the roster.
Brian Thomas Jr. at the 34th overall pick is a sound buy, the sort that quietly helps a class. The biggest hole on the depth chart just got a whole lot smaller.
Good price on Bralen Trice in slot 68, a hair ahead of his grade with no real quibbles. The one spot they could not leave alone, and did not.
No drama and no debate, Dominick Puni went about where he belonged in Round 3, Pick 27. One more legitimate question on the roster, answered.
They read the board right and Javon Baker was the payoff at pick No. 103. A must-fix position, and they treated it like one.
They reached a country mile for Dylan Laube at the Round 5 slot, and the board is aghast. A sensible fit that makes the depth chart a little sturdier.
This one needs a full-page explanation: Tanner McLachlan in No. 180, miles early. It patches a soft spot without any drama.
Taking Jarrian Jones in Round 6, Pick 18 is close to grand larceny; a cornerback that good had no business lasting this long. It adds depth where they could use a little.
A quiet steal in pick No. 231: Evan Williams for less than the market said. It also answers one of the loudest questions on the roster.