B+
New England Patriots
The Patriots won the weekend at the trade table. Grade: B+.
by Rob ·
2024 NFL Draft
· 8 picks
· 4 steals
· 2 reaches
The move everyone will second-guess came early. The Patriots reached some 151 spots for Cornelius Johnson, and value like that does not grow back.
Getting Fuaga where they did is the sort of value that quietly makes a class. 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.
Nothing here to lose sleep over, and plenty to feel decent about.
Pick-by-Pick
In the 12th overall pick they get a long-term starter on the line at a price that makes it sweeter. A real need, handled.
They stopped a slide they were happy to see, landing JC Latham in pick No. 34. The roster fit checks out.
A straight-up fair deal on J.J. McCarthy at Round 2, Pick 4, value and slot in agreement. It fills a real need, too.
Taliese Fuaga in pick 68 is a gift, value that borders on unfair. A sensible fit for a spot that needed help.
They barely believed it either: Christian Mahogany still on the board at the Round 4 slot. A need, and now a little less of one.
A market-rate wide receiver, with the board and the slot shaking hands on Luke McCaffrey. Better still, it is exactly the hole they had to fill.
This one needs a full-page explanation: Tyrone Tracy Jr. in pick No. 182, miles early. Top of the wish list, and they did not leave without it.
A big swing on Cornelius Johnson at slot 229, well ahead of any board in the building. It also answers one of the loudest questions on the roster.