The one hole that towered over the rest is filled. The Patriots spent their marquee pick on Drake Maye, and for the first time in a while there is a real answer at quarterback.

Every board in the league had Smith lower, and that gap is the story. They will regret leaving edge rusher for another day if the season turns on it. The roster is better shaped than it was, with wide receiver chief among the fixes.

In short, they left a little better than they arrived, which is the whole idea.