B-
New England Patriots
The Patriots won the night they stopped Belton from sliding. Grade: B-.
by PappyF ·
2025 NFL Draft
· 5 picks
· 2 steals
· 2 reaches
The best pick of the weekend was also the simplest. The Patriots watched Anthony Belton slide 34 picks past his grade and did not hesitate.
They will need Ersery to outplay his draft slot in a hurry to justify it. That edge rusher hole did not close this weekend, and it was the biggest one on the wall.
Tight end is handled and the depth chart looks a good deal healthier for it.
All told, a solid class that does its job everywhere but edge rusher.
Pick-by-Pick
In No. 4 they get an island corner at fair value.
They left a pile of value on the table to take Aireontae Ersery this early at the 24th pick. A sensible fit that makes the depth chart a little sturdier.
A reach on Ozzy Trapilo in the Round 3 slot; the board had better options right there. Another box on the needs board, quietly ticked.
Taking Mason Taylor in Round 4, Pick 4 is close to grand larceny; a tight end that good had no business lasting this long. A sensible fit for a spot that needed help.
The board fumbled Anthony Belton all the way to slot 144, and they scooped it up. It patches a soft spot without any drama.