A-
New England Patriots
The Patriots turned the phones into found money: A-.
by TD ·
2024 NFL Draft
· 9 picks
· 1 steals
· 2 reaches
When the story of this class is written, it opens with Joe Milton III at the 180th pick, a reach of 36 spots that the board flatly disagrees with.
They won the margins on every swap, and it adds up fast. That edge rusher hole did not close this weekend, and it was the biggest one on the wall. The Rakestraw Jr. pick alone nudges the whole weekend up a notch.
Add it up and few war rooms did better this weekend, Brian Thomas Jr. and all.
Pick-by-Pick
In No. 18 they get a difference-maker at receiver at fair value. Exactly the need they had to hit.
They took Bo Nix at par in the 34th pick, which is nothing to complain about. It fills a real need, too.
Nice patience on Ennis Rakestraw Jr., who had no business lasting to Round 2, Pick 17. Useful body for a position without much behind the starter.
Kingsley Suamataia at the Round 3 slot is neither steal nor reach, just the going rate. One more legitimate question on the roster, answered.
They paid sticker price for Maason Smith in slot 103, and that is fine. It also answers one of the loudest questions on the roster.
No edge and no loss on Jared Wiley in pick 137; it is a wash and a sensible one. It patches a soft spot without any drama.
A market-rate running back, with the board and the slot shaking hands on Isaac Guerendo. A need, and now a little less of one.
A swing that ignored the value entirely, Joe Milton III well ahead of where he belonged. A sensible fit for a spot that needed help.
Josh Proctor in the 193rd overall pick is early enough to raise a brow, if not a full objection. A glaring weakness, addressed head on.