B
New England Patriots
A solid, sensible weekend for the Patriots: B.
by Wario ·
2025 NFL Draft
· 9 picks
· 2 steals
· 4 reaches
You can fall in love with a player. You are not supposed to marry him in the wrong round. The Patriots did exactly that with Barryn Sorrell in the Round 7 slot. More right than wrong, and a B to match.
If one pick saves this weekend, it is Mafah. For all the activity, interior defensive lineman went untouched, which is hard to explain. Job largely done: edge rusher settled and 4 of 8 of the wish list covered.
The trenches got the money picks, top to bottom.
In short, they left a little better than they arrived, which is the whole idea.
Pick-by-Pick
In the 4th pick they get a bendy edge with upside. Exactly the need they had to hit.
Matthew Golden at the 38th overall pick is neither steal nor reach, just the going rate. They walked in needing this and walked out with it.
They reached a country mile for Charles Grant at pick No. 69, and the board is aghast. Another box on the needs board, quietly ticked.
A premium they did not need to pay, Ozzy Trapilo a notch or two before his time. One more legitimate question on the roster, answered.
Barrett Carter at the Round 4 slot is a first-round grade at a bargain-bin price, no notes. Useful depth more than a marquee fix.
This one needs a full-page explanation: Jalen McLeod in pick 145, miles early. That was the need underlined and circled, and now it is checked off.
They paid sticker price for Jacob Parrish in the Round 7 slot, and that is fine. It thickens a room that could stand to be thicker.
Steal is underselling it; Phil Mafah at pick 222 is a heist with the alarm still ringing. A sensible fit that makes the depth chart a little sturdier.
Value said wait; Barryn Sorrell in pick No. 240 says they were not listening. A glaring weakness, addressed head on.