B+
New England Patriots
A masterclass at the trade table lands the Patriots a B+.
by Hemo1012 ·
2024 NFL Draft
· 9 picks
· 2 steals
· 2 reaches
When the story of this class is written, it opens with Carson Steele at the 234th overall pick, a reach of 92 spots that the board flatly disagrees with.
The dealing alone would carry a lesser class. They will regret leaving edge rusher for another day if the season turns on it.
All told, a solid class that does its job everywhere but edge rusher.
Pick-by-Pick
In slot 11 they get a weapon on the perimeter at fair value. The biggest hole, addressed.
In pick 23 they get a cornerstone up front. A clean fit for the roster.
No edge and no loss on Jordan Morgan in No. 34; it is a wash and a sensible one. A need, and now a little less of one.
A quiet steal in the 103rd overall pick: Khyree Jackson for less than the market said. A minor need, but a need all the same.
A reasonable price with a little left over, Tykee Smith in the 167th pick. It answers the question that was keeping the coaches up at night.
A straight-up fair deal on Tip Reiman at pick No. 180, value and slot in agreement. Another box on the needs board, quietly ticked.
Jordan Jefferson at pick 193 is money in the bank, a interior defensive lineman taken below his worth. A must-fix position, and they treated it like one.
They talked themselves into Sam Hartman at No. 231, and the board did not agree. A real hole, addressed with a reasonable pick.
A real head-scratcher, Carson Steele in the Round 7 slot is miles ahead of his ranking. It patches a soft spot without any drama.