B+
New England Patriots
The Patriots answered their biggest question with Daniels. Grade: B+.
by Brop9404 ·
2024 NFL Draft
· 9 picks
· 2 steals
· 6 reaches
Somewhere a general manager is explaining how Kamal Hadden got past him. The Patriots do not have to explain a thing at No. 229.
Jayden Daniels is the bet, and the class will be judged on how it pays off. The phones were where this weekend was really won.
If Paul pans out, nobody remembers the price. If not, this is the pick they hear about. If this class has a fault line, it runs straight through edge rusher.
All told, a solid class that does its job everywhere but edge rusher.
Pick-by-Pick
In the Round 1 slot they get the arm they will build around. A clean fit for the roster.
Patrick Paul in pick 34 is a bet on their own eyes over everyone else's grade. One more legitimate question on the roster, answered.
Xavier Legette at the 47th overall pick is a steep price for a hunch, hard to square with any board. The one spot they could not leave alone, and did not.
Ja'Lynn Polk in slot 51 is a reach so steep the board needed a second look to believe it. This was priority one on the needs board, and now it is handled.
Sedrick Van Pran in Round 3, Pick 4 is the kind of reach that only looks good if he outplays it. A sensible fit that makes the depth chart a little sturdier.
Christian Mahogany in the Round 3 slot is early enough to raise a brow, if not a full objection. It patches a soft spot without any drama.
Dylan Laube at the 136th pick jumps the queue by a touch more than is comfortable. A need, and now a little less of one.
Taking Kitan Oladapo in No. 182 is close to grand larceny; a safety that good had no business lasting this long. A glaring weakness, addressed head on.
Steal is underselling it; Kamal Hadden at pick No. 229 is a heist with the alarm still ringing. Depth more than a fix, but depth they can use.