B-
New England Patriots
The Patriots bet the future on Maye. The board says B-.
by Chris122990 ·
2024 NFL Draft
· 10 picks
· 1 steals
· 3 reaches
They finally answered the question that shadows every other one. Drake Maye is the Patriots' quarterback, full stop. Call it a sensible B-, earned the boring way.
The dealing alone would carry a lesser class. Reaching for Bailey left real value on the table behind him.
The Rattler pick is the one they will point to when this weekend is judged. They will regret leaving edge rusher for another day if the season turns on it.
In sum, a sturdy weekend with one asterisk, the edge rusher spot they never got to.
Pick-by-Pick
In the 3rd pick they get their guy under center for the next decade. A real need, handled.
Troy Franklin in pick 34 is exactly on the number, no argument either way. The one spot they could not leave alone, and did not.
Devontez Walker at Round 3, Pick 4 is right where the board had him, plain and simple. A must-fix position, and they treated it like one.
They paid sticker price for Will Shipley in pick No. 103, and that is fine. It fills a real need, too.
Spencer Rattler in No. 137 is a gift, value that borders on unfair. A sensible fit for a spot that needed help.
Good price on Layden Robinson in the Round 6 slot, a hair ahead of his grade with no real quibbles. Another box on the needs board, quietly ticked.
The board had cheaper options than Trente Jones at slot 185, and it noticed. A real hole, addressed with a reasonable pick.
They reached into another round for Emani Bailey, and the board is nowhere close to agreeing. The roster fit checks out.
No edge and no loss on Sam Hartman in the Round 7 slot; it is a wash and a sensible one. A need, and now a little less of one.
Joshua Cephus in pick No. 257 is early enough to raise a brow, if not a full objection. A glaring weakness, addressed head on.