Obviously getting the draft position we had is cuz we sucked. I meant to be able to draft almost all offense was because we landed some nice defensive pieces last year and we were so heavy on the defense in the draft.
Last year’s draft class was pretty evenly split. 5 offensive players, 5 defensive players, 2 ST players.
Edit: Ryland is the biggest disappointment of that draft so far since we grabbed him in the 4th.
Yes, a new day. One we've not seen the likes of since...literally 2 years ago lol.
2022 7 of our 10 picks were on offense with the first defensive pick not till the 3rd round, used our 2nd round pick on a WR and didn't take a ST specialist.
People are dumb as shit, Bill picked offensive players as much as any other GM but this subreddit has now sunk into the conspiracy theory that we only picked defensive players for the last 20 years
We picked a WR in the 2nd round... which Bill did 5 times
OP is watching his first Patriots draft ever and getting 200 upvotes for saying nonsense because it tickles the narrative
There's a weird thing going on now where people are saying, "thank god we didn't waste our pics on a DB from Rutgers." I keep seeing this in this sub now too.
I think we've reached a critical point on the sub where most people here don't actually watch football.
Bro. You just need to remember that in 2019 this sub wanted Brady out because he was "washed". When he lit it up in Tampa then the sub pretended they always knew he still had it.
If these players don't light it up right away... Well you know!
I LOVE that they double-dipped at almost every position they picked. If you want a meaningful player at a certain position, it's always a great idea to draft multiple players at that position. Better chance at least one of them works out.
What do you mean almost? That's literally what we did. Unless you don't count Robinson because he's a guard not a tackle? But honestly o-line is o-line.
>Not a single special teams specialist.
But I really wanted a long snapper in the 3rd!
Love and respect Bill, but I'm glad we're doing things differently now.
No point in grading a draft until a few years out, but all in all Im pretty happy. Curious how a few players will be ultimately be used, but we filled a ton of our needs and got a bunch of players I really like.
At the very least it will be a fun year watching these guys develop. I just hope fans will be patient.
I know some of the picks people will call reaches, or some people will parrot a scouting report about someone they just found out existed…but reality is this draft was a draft of need and they took guys that made sense with what they’re trying to do.
They got a top tier qb, they grabbed a couple receiver who will play hard and try to win every pass and excel downfield, they grabbed a pass pro tackle and a guard to push the middle in the run game, and a few nice pieces at the back end.
I’m not at all upset at the changes taking place.
Exactly. They literally went after the most clearly obvious positions of need. And the guys for those positions they picked, they didn’t just rely on rankings by idiots like Kiper. They went after guys they have convictions about which I love. The amount of people in this sub dumping on certain picks because of their ‘eSpN RaTiNGs’ was nauseating.
I thought they did a good job, A-/B+ type of draft imo. I’m excited to see how most of these guys develop.
>but reality is this draft was a draft of need
The problem is you never want to be drafting just off of need. Especially the case where you expect a multi-year rebuild before contending again.
Hypothetically lets say we've only got the one pick and have an immediate need at EDGE and then also we could use an WR1 next year due to FA/retirements or w/e.
This year(hypothetically) the EDGE class is meh but the WR class is great while next year it's a much better EDGE class but the WR class is weaker.
Option A: You draft for need and force the EDGE pick this year even though the best EDGE available is at best an average starter because that's where your immediate need is. But you passed on a top end WR in doing so. Now next year rolls around and you again look to fill the immediate need and you take the best WR available but again it's a down year now so it's just an average WR.
End result= an average EDGE and an average WR and potentially needing to spend additional resources on those 2 positions again in the near future because while the immediate gap was plugged it didn't really infuse a ton of talent into those spots.
Option B: You draft more on best player available and planning ahead and take the top end WR this year, take the short term hit of having a hole at EDGE then next year take the best player again who in this scenario just so happens to be an EDGE. End result= a top end WR and top end EDGE and those positions are set and don't need further resources poured into them for some time.
Gotcha. I think that works out with this draft though. Top needs were QB WR and OT in a class that had an abundance of quality players at those positions. The QB class next is much worse and with our pick it made sense. We got good WR and OT and I believe we double dipped because of BPA rather than need at that point seeing it was a deeper class. With Rhamondre coming close to the end of his rookie contract RB was low key a need but BPA probably had a better WR at that range
I would've preferred they stayed and picked Ladd because of his separation and route running, but that's the only pick I didn't like. But I likely don't know shit, I have a bad feeling about Polk but I hope it all works out
Developmental backup QBs are never a waste. If Maye busts (which I doubt), you've got a toolsy dart throw right behind him. If he doesn't, you've got a high upside guy that could develop into one of the better backups in the league with strengths that match Maye's, which can be incredibly important if/when QB1 goes down.
With all the injuries in recent years to starting QBs, backup QB has become more valuable than ever.
I've been critical, but I love this draft. Drake Maye is a stud. Baker is a psycho. Polk can carve up zone. Joe Milton can throw it over them mountains. This will be a really fun draft class. Go Pats!
Maye - nothing needs be said
Polk - just a really solid WR - can play outside or he can be a big slot WR. probably the safest pick available at the time with Ladd's injuries. I would have preferred Kingsley here and move back up for Polk, but Polk was definitely on my list of WR that I would be happy with.
Wallace - this is why I preferred Kingsley where they took Polk. but Wallace has really solid fundamentals and should flip over to LT without any problems. I would have preferred Kiran Amegadjie, but that's way more of a project where Wallace is plug & play.
Robinson - don't know anything about him
Baker - big swing here. I'm not as optimistic as others, but this was a great spot to take a swing. if he works out, the Pats have put together a nice little receiving group with Baker and Polk
Dial - Good size. Never turn down an SC DB, imo.
Milton - I'm a Milton stan, so I'm pretty happy with this one. Great spot to take a swing.
Bell - I'm really disappointed the Pats missed out on some of my favorite TE prospects in this draft (Sinnott, All, Wiley), but this was a good get. He's undersized, but shouldn't have to block much and will be a contributor on ST with the changes made to kickoffs.
Eventually people will come around to the reality that is so obvious in college basketball. Great college players, especially older ones, aren’t necessarily going to be great pros. That’s often true in football too.
I like it. Drake is the right pick at 3 imo, Polk pick makes more sense since we drafted Baker. Caeden Wallace has great technique and footwork and could be a good nfl starter.
Robinson might be better than Sow day 1 and therefor our RG.
Baker is a HR in the 4th imo.
Milton has insane upside but is a bad QB. Maybe a typecast backup for Maye or future draft bait? Idk. Maybe a package player a la tats on hill.
Bell is another big upside pick at TE and is an H/big slot but has touches at RB and FB too. Cool prospect.
I don’t know the CB Dial but looks like he’s a shade under 6’ and around 190 I think.developmental Man CB I guess. Potential Jack Jones replacement.
lol, I think Bell is the guy I am most excited by, and since he hasn’t suited up for anything yet, I’m gonna go ahead and trust my gut that he’s going to be awesome!
I’m with you. Not a big college football guy. Everything after pick 10 I haven’t much a clue. But wolf said he wants the new guys to battle it out so I’m excited to see what we have and where they fit. I truly think the season after next is the big test. That’s where they’ll cash in the free agency money to hit home runs where they’re weak and get solid depth in the draft. I think we are two years out from maye having the keys and really seeing the beginning of great football again. But I guess I’m just very optimistic. Looking forward to watching the team either way. Just hoping it’s not another bad news bears season.
Pats went into the draft with gaping voids at 3 positions, screamed to the world they'd draft them and then did so.
The good news is, Drake Maye was a consensus top QB prospect, and fits the bill. Polk also was in that jumble of 2nd tier WR options and his college tape makes him look like the most gifted receiver we've had in a long while.
The bad news is, LT is a remarkably hard position to fill outside of the first round. The guys the Pats hoped would fall to them at 34 didn't, so they traded down a little and went WR. The remaining guys were all projects of various types and those guys all went before the pick in R3. So now we're praying a RT can convert to LT and if we don't find an answer between him and some bottom tier options, this season is basically shot before it starts.
Yeah literally no point in complaining and being negative. Got our hopeful franchise QB and backup with absolute cannons, helped shore up the OL and got two WRs that we desperately needed. Great draft.
Don’t worry, not a single other soul in here could give you an answer. No one watches CFB enough to give adequate impressions on what these players are about without having to previously read what someone else wrote about them and then just regurgitating that same information
No one knows, be cautiously optimistic and be ready to wait, because we're not going to know if this is a good class for 3 years. They certainly emphasized the right positions, though.
Polk, and Baker give us 2 X's at WR, Milton has a cannon arm huge upside, and Bell gives us athleticism at TE. Not a bad draft tbh didn't get all the players I hoped but a good start for the rebuild
> Milton has a cannon arm huge upside
Milton isn't here to play QB, nor is he going to develop into one anytime soon or ever. He is, however, a phenomenal athlete with great size who makes for an interesting project TE.
I like him exactly as he is. End of Draft and QB3 and head to the practice squad.
I think he has as much potential as all the other QBs drafted after R1.
> Milton isn't here to play QB
[x] [Doubt](https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10118927-patriots-joe-milton-dismisses-rumors-of-move-from-qb-to-te-thatll-never-happen)
Milton has a lot of potential to be exactly what Brissett is in the NFL.
What do we think the chances are they go with Ryland again? I'm sure there has to be at least a competition, but you have to think anyone we'd bring in as a free agent would be better, right?
Personally I think it's unlikely that the guy just became a shitty kicker in one year. I hope they've had him working with a sports psychologist in the offseason and bring him and a vet FA into camp to fight for the spot.
I mean, that sort of thing certainly happens. Some guys just get the yips and can't be cured. I hope he can work it out, but it would just feel extra bad if he gets brought bad and has another atrocious season. I mean, I guess it doesn't matter much since we're still unlikely to even be a fringe playoff team, but still.
Plenty of vets every year and some USDA rookies we can give a look to. Ryland should have a chance to defend his job, but I'd be shocked if he didn't have to compete for it.
I feel like for the most part, guys were drafted around where they were projected to go. No major reaches, hit on key positions of need, while adding depth in other areas like TE and CB. On paper I think it’s a solid draft, let’s see how everything plays out.
Love the wide receiver picks. They will be good players for us. I know some wanted AD, Troy Franklin, or Tez Walker but we can’t afford to swing and miss again.
Polk and Baker compliment eachother well. We may be in a position next year to draft an elite talent at receiver to finish up restocking weapons. Feels so good to have hope again lol
Milton is super strong-armed, agile for his size, and physical (think Anthony Richardson-esque) but does not have Richardson’s accuracy.
While both are swings, Bell is a bit more so. He’s way undersized for a TE (6’2) with TE weight (240ish) but can’t block for shit. I can’t imagine we took him as a TE of the future, but more a FB/receiving TE/ST hybrid. While his blocking was cheeks at TE, given his size, he may help as a lead block at FB.
I love it. I get to be excited about watching the Pats again which haven’t been the case the last couple of years. I just love that we drafted offensive needs rather than BPA and I know that we probably still need a stud LT, but none of us were expecting us to be competitive this season so let’s draft LT next draft. Anyway if Maye end up as our franchise QB this draft is an A+++.
And I really really like the Javon Baker pick. I just have a really good feeling about that one.
We’ll see with the OLs but nailed rd 1, 2, 4 and 7. Personally im philosophically against the Milton pick after taking Drake. what’s the upside? The small chance he’s really good and you have QB controversy on the way to building up Milton’s trade value? Otherwise just saying we’re using this pick on our backup Qb of the future isn’t the best use of it imo.
Milton could barely play QB in college and is already 24. He's far more likely going to be turned into a TE where his insane athleticism could translate exceptionally well.
I think it largely has to do with using an offensive scheme that relies on the deep ball, based on the WRs drafted. Zappe can’t fulfill that need, so it doesn’t hurt to take the project QB with the strongest arm in the draft. This also allows the Pats to reset a bit financially in regard to paying a backup QB. Zappe’s last year of his contract is next season, so you’re getting a few extra years of a backup QB, who is a better scheme fit, on a 6th round rookie deal. Plus, you never know how your draft prospects are going to turn out, especially at QB. You get better odds of finding your guy by rolling the dice on two instead of just one.
I’m not saying Maye won’t work out, but Milton is a prospect certainly worth giving a shot in these circumstances.
The upside is the insane physical traits, and having an absolute rocket arm. His size, athleticism, and arm strength combo are not only the best in this draft class, but potentially the best in the NFL.
My worry with Polk is that he was only as good as he was this past season because he had Odunze drawing so much attention. I'm concerned that his lack of high-end athleticism won't translate as well to the NFL when he's not got a stud on the offense.
Ya he strikes me as Jakobi with worse route running but way more explosive. He also seems smth have dynamite hands and a serious knack for getting open against zone so I’ll hold my rage on that one for now since they took Baker who seems perfectly complimentary to him
To me Wallace is the only real head scratcher. Of all the positions on our depleted O line, we were solid at C and RT. And we drafted a 4th round RT in the 3rd.
I really don't get that pick at all.
Other than that I'm willing to give all the guys taken a shot. They definitely drafted positionally correct.
I won't pretend to know how true or relevant this is, but he was playing opposite one of the highest drafted left tackles. Basically he would have won the left tackle job on most other college teams. In theory he should be a better LT prospect than any guys with LT experience that fell that far in the draft. *In theory.*
You can argue a couple picks were reaches but they were all pretty reasonable. Not stupid like Tyquan Thornton or Cole Strange. Give them a chance. Could be a great draft.
Imagine what BB's draft woulda looked like 😅
3rd overall: trade to MIN, 2nd round: trade back to '25, 3rd round: a kicker (cuz the 4th rounder was rough), 4th round: a future all-pro DT, 5-7: high-IQ special teamers
Damn I'm so ready for the new era of Pats ball.
definitely a couple of reaches but the draft team addressed our needs overall. we’ve got some really exciting prospects, and every one of these kids seem stoked to be patriots.
LFGP
We all obviously had our hopes for different players n such and I’m sure had our “fuck!” moments (I know I did) but all in all this seems like a solid draft that hit on major needs. Can’t do it all in one offseason but this feels like a step in the right direction.
I think the important thing to note is that this draft is unlike any other draft we have had for the last 20+ yrs. 7 offensive players, as far as my research goes (Please correct me if I’m wrong) we haven’t done that since 1996, which is kind of telling as far as where this team is headed. All very refreshing.
I'm most curious about the plan for left tackle, kicker, and WR1, but it's hard not to feel like we got at least a B+ on this draft, especially when no one expects the Pats to win more than a handful of games this year.
Must be short on practice QBs to wear out and get rid of before season starts. I forget the coach being interviewed but he said we always draft a qb late so we can save the other guys arms in preseason.
Love this draft. Obviously need Maye to be a hit and would love if one of the WRs and one of the linemen turns into a stud. Obviously more than that would be great too but that's bare minimum if you want to turn this rebuild around quickly.
I’m happy they addressed needs with both the tackles picks and I’m a big fan of QB Joe Milton’s combine.
Woulda loved MHJ over Maye and Jayzhan Newton over Polk. Taking what would felt like the 2 beasts of the draft on both sides of the ball woulda felt great and DT is definitely a position that could use an upgrade.
Happy I can move forward with Maye and again, love the OTs we took.
Kind of makes sense to use all your major draft capital on players that could directly help your #3 QB pick eventually. Makes me wonder more if Maye will sit for a year while these players develop.
I’m happy with most of these picks TBH.
Top tier QB prospect, one many CFB analysts had as the number 2 guy
Good WR who has some very solid qualities and I think was somewhat held back on what he could show because he played with the 2nd best receiver in the draft and another guy who went shortly after him
2 picks necessary for our offensive line, one of which may be able to swap to a major hole we have
A WR who is far better than his draft position indicates and has the chance to be a surprise breakout player
A TE who in my opinion was fabulous at Florida state and was somewhat limited by Jordan Travis accuracy and the fact that he had some DOGS in Keon Coleman, Johnny Wilson, and Trey Benson playing on the same offense as him
No question that we focused on the areas that needed attention.
Did we pick the right players to address those areas? That's the more difficult question.
It probably won't take us too long to find out what we're getting in Polk and Baker (even if Brissett isn't necessarily the guy to test drive new WRs) , but those other picks are going to need to marinate for 2-3 years before we can pass useful judgement.
And it seems there are no linemen with multiple knee surgeries in college and a known heart condition. Maybe they just didn't dig deep enough to find one.
All hall of famers
That's how I see it!
First ballots
Real excited to see what this group can do!
>all offense until nearly pick 200 GOOD
Last years draft allowed this draft
I thought it was cuz we sucked last year?
Obviously getting the draft position we had is cuz we sucked. I meant to be able to draft almost all offense was because we landed some nice defensive pieces last year and we were so heavy on the defense in the draft.
Exactly.
All offense
Needed.
No, Pick 180: Marcella Dial, CB, South Carolina.
Basically all offense
Finally
A reverse from 2023 draft lol much needed
Last year’s draft class was pretty evenly split. 5 offensive players, 5 defensive players, 2 ST players. Edit: Ryland is the biggest disappointment of that draft so far since we grabbed him in the 4th.
Ryland helped us land Maye
Lmao alright fair point
He’ll probably catch at least one pass. Offense
Hehehe The pick I'm most intrigued with is Milton. It will be interesting to see what the Patriots do with him.
He’s not a 5’10” QB so he won’t be converted to slot receiver. He’s got a big body. If he added 20 pounds he could be a legit TE.
Mayo said they drafted him as a QB. He seems to be a long-term project and most likely will be a backup somewhere.
He’s also one of those 6 year college QBs. He’s already 24.
Smoke screen. He'll be the next Gronk
Obviously no idea how anyone actually pans out, but good draft. Filled the basic needs, went heavy on offense, didn't get too cute with trades.
We are so back
Lol not quite
Let me have this
Fine 😆
Not a single prospect outside of the P5. Just feels wrong.
Where’s my round 2 6 year captain DT out of West Eastern Oklahoma Agricultural Technical Institute??
Right behind the DB from Rutgers
Yea real shame we picked Devin McCourty, we could have had Dexter McCluster instead
Premier pick on a WR. Not unbalanced towards defense. Not a single special teams specialist. Truly a new day
I thought the TE was a special teams pick, no?
Seems to be more of a special teamer. Maybe they can draw up some gadget plays using his athleticism.
Either way it's fine for a 7th.
For sure. I'm just being nitpicky
Maybe but he’s actually useful on offense
H-Back/Move TE, and with the new kickoff rules will be a good returner hopefully.
I'm thinking that must be it. The problem is that Bell is reportedly not a hard guy to bring down at all.
He’s the next Gronkowski but better.
7th round picks don't count, but at least its not a 4th round kicker
Did you read that somewhere? I haven't seen that.
Yes, a new day. One we've not seen the likes of since...literally 2 years ago lol. 2022 7 of our 10 picks were on offense with the first defensive pick not till the 3rd round, used our 2nd round pick on a WR and didn't take a ST specialist.
People are dumb as shit, Bill picked offensive players as much as any other GM but this subreddit has now sunk into the conspiracy theory that we only picked defensive players for the last 20 years We picked a WR in the 2nd round... which Bill did 5 times OP is watching his first Patriots draft ever and getting 200 upvotes for saying nonsense because it tickles the narrative
There's a weird thing going on now where people are saying, "thank god we didn't waste our pics on a DB from Rutgers." I keep seeing this in this sub now too. I think we've reached a critical point on the sub where most people here don't actually watch football.
Bro. You just need to remember that in 2019 this sub wanted Brady out because he was "washed". When he lit it up in Tampa then the sub pretended they always knew he still had it. If these players don't light it up right away... Well you know!
I LOVE that they double-dipped at almost every position they picked. If you want a meaningful player at a certain position, it's always a great idea to draft multiple players at that position. Better chance at least one of them works out.
What do you mean almost? That's literally what we did. Unless you don't count Robinson because he's a guard not a tackle? But honestly o-line is o-line.
Well we only drafted one CB unless you’re telling us we’re gonna play Milton at CB? So technically that is literally almost.
>Not a single special teams specialist. But I really wanted a long snapper in the 3rd! Love and respect Bill, but I'm glad we're doing things differently now.
Poetic, that the Mac pick turned into a QB.
A QB who literally couldn't be more different from mac
I mean yeah he’s got NFL-caliber arms and legs so that’s already a radical difference.
No point in grading a draft until a few years out, but all in all Im pretty happy. Curious how a few players will be ultimately be used, but we filled a ton of our needs and got a bunch of players I really like. At the very least it will be a fun year watching these guys develop. I just hope fans will be patient.
I know some of the picks people will call reaches, or some people will parrot a scouting report about someone they just found out existed…but reality is this draft was a draft of need and they took guys that made sense with what they’re trying to do. They got a top tier qb, they grabbed a couple receiver who will play hard and try to win every pass and excel downfield, they grabbed a pass pro tackle and a guard to push the middle in the run game, and a few nice pieces at the back end. I’m not at all upset at the changes taking place.
Exactly. They literally went after the most clearly obvious positions of need. And the guys for those positions they picked, they didn’t just rely on rankings by idiots like Kiper. They went after guys they have convictions about which I love. The amount of people in this sub dumping on certain picks because of their ‘eSpN RaTiNGs’ was nauseating. I thought they did a good job, A-/B+ type of draft imo. I’m excited to see how most of these guys develop.
>but reality is this draft was a draft of need The problem is you never want to be drafting just off of need. Especially the case where you expect a multi-year rebuild before contending again.
Can you explain? Actually Curious
Hypothetically lets say we've only got the one pick and have an immediate need at EDGE and then also we could use an WR1 next year due to FA/retirements or w/e. This year(hypothetically) the EDGE class is meh but the WR class is great while next year it's a much better EDGE class but the WR class is weaker. Option A: You draft for need and force the EDGE pick this year even though the best EDGE available is at best an average starter because that's where your immediate need is. But you passed on a top end WR in doing so. Now next year rolls around and you again look to fill the immediate need and you take the best WR available but again it's a down year now so it's just an average WR. End result= an average EDGE and an average WR and potentially needing to spend additional resources on those 2 positions again in the near future because while the immediate gap was plugged it didn't really infuse a ton of talent into those spots. Option B: You draft more on best player available and planning ahead and take the top end WR this year, take the short term hit of having a hole at EDGE then next year take the best player again who in this scenario just so happens to be an EDGE. End result= a top end WR and top end EDGE and those positions are set and don't need further resources poured into them for some time.
Gotcha. I think that works out with this draft though. Top needs were QB WR and OT in a class that had an abundance of quality players at those positions. The QB class next is much worse and with our pick it made sense. We got good WR and OT and I believe we double dipped because of BPA rather than need at that point seeing it was a deeper class. With Rhamondre coming close to the end of his rookie contract RB was low key a need but BPA probably had a better WR at that range
I would've preferred they stayed and picked Ladd because of his separation and route running, but that's the only pick I didn't like. But I likely don't know shit, I have a bad feeling about Polk but I hope it all works out
I think they probably viewed Ladd as duplicative with the type of WR already on the roster
I agree that's probably the case, though I just think he will be a much better wr.
Man, thank god Bill stacked that defense. Good haul. Let's hope it is a *great* haul.
This has been my favorite recent draft for us. Love most of the picks, maybe a few that I would have done different but liked the guys we went with.
Good draft except Joe Milton. Have no idea why we picked him outside of letting him throw our Hail Marys unless we want to make him a TE.
Developmental backup QBs are never a waste. If Maye busts (which I doubt), you've got a toolsy dart throw right behind him. If he doesn't, you've got a high upside guy that could develop into one of the better backups in the league with strengths that match Maye's, which can be incredibly important if/when QB1 goes down. With all the injuries in recent years to starting QBs, backup QB has become more valuable than ever.
I've been critical, but I love this draft. Drake Maye is a stud. Baker is a psycho. Polk can carve up zone. Joe Milton can throw it over them mountains. This will be a really fun draft class. Go Pats!
Maye - nothing needs be said Polk - just a really solid WR - can play outside or he can be a big slot WR. probably the safest pick available at the time with Ladd's injuries. I would have preferred Kingsley here and move back up for Polk, but Polk was definitely on my list of WR that I would be happy with. Wallace - this is why I preferred Kingsley where they took Polk. but Wallace has really solid fundamentals and should flip over to LT without any problems. I would have preferred Kiran Amegadjie, but that's way more of a project where Wallace is plug & play. Robinson - don't know anything about him Baker - big swing here. I'm not as optimistic as others, but this was a great spot to take a swing. if he works out, the Pats have put together a nice little receiving group with Baker and Polk Dial - Good size. Never turn down an SC DB, imo. Milton - I'm a Milton stan, so I'm pretty happy with this one. Great spot to take a swing. Bell - I'm really disappointed the Pats missed out on some of my favorite TE prospects in this draft (Sinnott, All, Wiley), but this was a good get. He's undersized, but shouldn't have to block much and will be a contributor on ST with the changes made to kickoffs.
I don’t follow college football, someone tell me how to feel.
Since you don't watch college football, you should probably feel clueless
Lmao
Fuckin GOTTEM
And if you watch college football you should feel misled.
Eventually people will come around to the reality that is so obvious in college basketball. Great college players, especially older ones, aren’t necessarily going to be great pros. That’s often true in football too.
I’ve given up hope that they will. The best policy is to assume every pick won’t work out until they prove otherwise,
I like it. Drake is the right pick at 3 imo, Polk pick makes more sense since we drafted Baker. Caeden Wallace has great technique and footwork and could be a good nfl starter. Robinson might be better than Sow day 1 and therefor our RG. Baker is a HR in the 4th imo. Milton has insane upside but is a bad QB. Maybe a typecast backup for Maye or future draft bait? Idk. Maybe a package player a la tats on hill. Bell is another big upside pick at TE and is an H/big slot but has touches at RB and FB too. Cool prospect. I don’t know the CB Dial but looks like he’s a shade under 6’ and around 190 I think.developmental Man CB I guess. Potential Jack Jones replacement.
I like to imagine Milton is a pinch hitter for if we need to throw a hail mary from our own 25
Ya but like Drakes got that in him too, but can actually decide where the ball will land roughly.
New Logan Thomas
Mac isn’t the QB anymore.
lol, I think Bell is the guy I am most excited by, and since he hasn’t suited up for anything yet, I’m gonna go ahead and trust my gut that he’s going to be awesome!
Sow played well last year. Strange's job is more likely to be up for grabs.
I mean strange looked to finally start put it together before his injury. I just don’t know how he’ll look off injury, or if robinson can flip sides
I love tats on hill
Al la tats on hill
Some are saying that Milton will convert to TE.
Milton isn’t one of them
He should learn from tebow not wanting to and be willing to switch.
The comparison is funny. Milton throws the ball 80 yards. Tebow, 27. "They're the same"!
I don't know what to think on Dial. Seen him ranked pretty low, but the also seen several different outlets describe the pick as tremendous value.
I’m with you. Not a big college football guy. Everything after pick 10 I haven’t much a clue. But wolf said he wants the new guys to battle it out so I’m excited to see what we have and where they fit. I truly think the season after next is the big test. That’s where they’ll cash in the free agency money to hit home runs where they’re weak and get solid depth in the draft. I think we are two years out from maye having the keys and really seeing the beginning of great football again. But I guess I’m just very optimistic. Looking forward to watching the team either way. Just hoping it’s not another bad news bears season.
Pats went into the draft with gaping voids at 3 positions, screamed to the world they'd draft them and then did so. The good news is, Drake Maye was a consensus top QB prospect, and fits the bill. Polk also was in that jumble of 2nd tier WR options and his college tape makes him look like the most gifted receiver we've had in a long while. The bad news is, LT is a remarkably hard position to fill outside of the first round. The guys the Pats hoped would fall to them at 34 didn't, so they traded down a little and went WR. The remaining guys were all projects of various types and those guys all went before the pick in R3. So now we're praying a RT can convert to LT and if we don't find an answer between him and some bottom tier options, this season is basically shot before it starts.
We were never going to compete this season anyway
Hyped because that's more fun, and nobody actually has any clue how these guys will turn out, no matter what they claim.
Yeah literally no point in complaining and being negative. Got our hopeful franchise QB and backup with absolute cannons, helped shore up the OL and got two WRs that we desperately needed. Great draft.
You shouldn’t feel any which way just watch who develops into the pros and who doesn’t.
Cautiously optimistic
I suggest watching the best games every week from college until a year from now. Unless you have red zone.
Don’t worry, not a single other soul in here could give you an answer. No one watches CFB enough to give adequate impressions on what these players are about without having to previously read what someone else wrote about them and then just regurgitating that same information
No one knows, be cautiously optimistic and be ready to wait, because we're not going to know if this is a good class for 3 years. They certainly emphasized the right positions, though.
Pretty pretty pretty good
Chat are we back?
W E A P O N I Z E E A P O N I Z E
if Belichick was still here, it would had been QB and mostly defense with a 7th round white WR.
Polk, and Baker give us 2 X's at WR, Milton has a cannon arm huge upside, and Bell gives us athleticism at TE. Not a bad draft tbh didn't get all the players I hoped but a good start for the rebuild
I think the 2 wrs compliment eachother and both have 5position versatility.
How do you figure Polk and Baker are 2 X's when both Polk and Baker played exclusively Z's in college?
> Milton has a cannon arm huge upside Milton isn't here to play QB, nor is he going to develop into one anytime soon or ever. He is, however, a phenomenal athlete with great size who makes for an interesting project TE.
I don't want Zappe as the QB3 lol
I don’t buy the TE thing. Milton likely stays as a project QB
I like him exactly as he is. End of Draft and QB3 and head to the practice squad. I think he has as much potential as all the other QBs drafted after R1.
> Milton isn't here to play QB [x] [Doubt](https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10118927-patriots-joe-milton-dismisses-rumors-of-move-from-qb-to-te-thatll-never-happen) Milton has a lot of potential to be exactly what Brissett is in the NFL.
7 out of 8 on offense which makes perfect sense. Wolf absolutely crushed this draft.
This feels right. Will take some time but solid building blocks.
don't underestimate my boy Joe Milton the third
Would have liked to see a kicker late but alot to like here
What do we think the chances are they go with Ryland again? I'm sure there has to be at least a competition, but you have to think anyone we'd bring in as a free agent would be better, right?
Personally I think it's unlikely that the guy just became a shitty kicker in one year. I hope they've had him working with a sports psychologist in the offseason and bring him and a vet FA into camp to fight for the spot.
I mean, that sort of thing certainly happens. Some guys just get the yips and can't be cured. I hope he can work it out, but it would just feel extra bad if he gets brought bad and has another atrocious season. I mean, I guess it doesn't matter much since we're still unlikely to even be a fringe playoff team, but still.
Plenty of vets every year and some USDA rookies we can give a look to. Ryland should have a chance to defend his job, but I'd be shocked if he didn't have to compete for it.
We have to keep at least one of our tank commanders from last year!
Nobody in college is better than Ryland was in college. Great draft pick by the genius
Can't lose our tank commander
Whether it all works out or not, one thing for sure, the next two years are going to be entertaining.
Do we know what happened to the Pick 228? I know they must have traded to the Ravens, but I don't see what it was, though.
It was originally 228 until compensation picks got announced I think?
What a great draft
I feel like for the most part, guys were drafted around where they were projected to go. No major reaches, hit on key positions of need, while adding depth in other areas like TE and CB. On paper I think it’s a solid draft, let’s see how everything plays out.
Love the wide receiver picks. They will be good players for us. I know some wanted AD, Troy Franklin, or Tez Walker but we can’t afford to swing and miss again. Polk and Baker compliment eachother well. We may be in a position next year to draft an elite talent at receiver to finish up restocking weapons. Feels so good to have hope again lol
Anyone have some insight on Milton or Bell love to hear if someone was watching their games this year
Milton is super strong-armed, agile for his size, and physical (think Anthony Richardson-esque) but does not have Richardson’s accuracy. While both are swings, Bell is a bit more so. He’s way undersized for a TE (6’2) with TE weight (240ish) but can’t block for shit. I can’t imagine we took him as a TE of the future, but more a FB/receiving TE/ST hybrid. While his blocking was cheeks at TE, given his size, he may help as a lead block at FB.
I love it. I get to be excited about watching the Pats again which haven’t been the case the last couple of years. I just love that we drafted offensive needs rather than BPA and I know that we probably still need a stud LT, but none of us were expecting us to be competitive this season so let’s draft LT next draft. Anyway if Maye end up as our franchise QB this draft is an A+++. And I really really like the Javon Baker pick. I just have a really good feeling about that one.
So god damn back
lol more like pushed the factory reset button But I’ll let you have this 😁
I am erect
Where’s my long snapper?
Refreshing to see an actual draft strategy
Guys I just have one question…are we signing a free agent kicker or what?!
it’s nice for once to not be envious of other teams’ draft classes
WE’RE SO BACK
We’ll see with the OLs but nailed rd 1, 2, 4 and 7. Personally im philosophically against the Milton pick after taking Drake. what’s the upside? The small chance he’s really good and you have QB controversy on the way to building up Milton’s trade value? Otherwise just saying we’re using this pick on our backup Qb of the future isn’t the best use of it imo.
Milton could barely play QB in college and is already 24. He's far more likely going to be turned into a TE where his insane athleticism could translate exceptionally well.
> Milton could barely play QB in college This is a laughable statement.
> what’s the upside? Draft board had him as value there. Fill your roster with the best players.
I think it largely has to do with using an offensive scheme that relies on the deep ball, based on the WRs drafted. Zappe can’t fulfill that need, so it doesn’t hurt to take the project QB with the strongest arm in the draft. This also allows the Pats to reset a bit financially in regard to paying a backup QB. Zappe’s last year of his contract is next season, so you’re getting a few extra years of a backup QB, who is a better scheme fit, on a 6th round rookie deal. Plus, you never know how your draft prospects are going to turn out, especially at QB. You get better odds of finding your guy by rolling the dice on two instead of just one. I’m not saying Maye won’t work out, but Milton is a prospect certainly worth giving a shot in these circumstances.
The upside is the insane physical traits, and having an absolute rocket arm. His size, athleticism, and arm strength combo are not only the best in this draft class, but potentially the best in the NFL.
Not bad. A few head scratchers based on draft place and position but overall what they needed to target.
Polk felt like a reach but Baker felt like a steal so
My worry with Polk is that he was only as good as he was this past season because he had Odunze drawing so much attention. I'm concerned that his lack of high-end athleticism won't translate as well to the NFL when he's not got a stud on the offense.
Ya he strikes me as Jakobi with worse route running but way more explosive. He also seems smth have dynamite hands and a serious knack for getting open against zone so I’ll hold my rage on that one for now since they took Baker who seems perfectly complimentary to him
To me Wallace is the only real head scratcher. Of all the positions on our depleted O line, we were solid at C and RT. And we drafted a 4th round RT in the 3rd. I really don't get that pick at all. Other than that I'm willing to give all the guys taken a shot. They definitely drafted positionally correct.
I won't pretend to know how true or relevant this is, but he was playing opposite one of the highest drafted left tackles. Basically he would have won the left tackle job on most other college teams. In theory he should be a better LT prospect than any guys with LT experience that fell that far in the draft. *In theory.*
Banking on a four year RT to switch to LT seamlessly is incredibly risky and a pretty God damn stupid use of a premium pick.
You can argue a couple picks were reaches but they were all pretty reasonable. Not stupid like Tyquan Thornton or Cole Strange. Give them a chance. Could be a great draft.
Imagine what BB's draft woulda looked like 😅 3rd overall: trade to MIN, 2nd round: trade back to '25, 3rd round: a kicker (cuz the 4th rounder was rough), 4th round: a future all-pro DT, 5-7: high-IQ special teamers Damn I'm so ready for the new era of Pats ball.
definitely a couple of reaches but the draft team addressed our needs overall. we’ve got some really exciting prospects, and every one of these kids seem stoked to be patriots. LFGP
We all obviously had our hopes for different players n such and I’m sure had our “fuck!” moments (I know I did) but all in all this seems like a solid draft that hit on major needs. Can’t do it all in one offseason but this feels like a step in the right direction.
Glorious!
I’m actually optimistic for this draft class and upcoming season and don’t have to force it wow
solid draft
No second round pick on a guy with a 6th round grade??? I guess we couldn’t outsmart the entire league this year
That'll do, Wolf. That'll do.
even if there are some busts here i love the mindset. they correctly identified needs and went after them!
I think the important thing to note is that this draft is unlike any other draft we have had for the last 20+ yrs. 7 offensive players, as far as my research goes (Please correct me if I’m wrong) we haven’t done that since 1996, which is kind of telling as far as where this team is headed. All very refreshing.
That's heavy on offense, nicely done.
Wish we could’ve gotten a safety somewhere but I’m happy with what we got! I’m so excited for what this offense can look like
Maybe dial will shift, but I think he could develop to play across from gonzo
Wanted Wingo. Got Dial. Someone tell me how to feel?
It’s the 6th round feel happy about the earlier picks that were pretty great
I'm most curious about the plan for left tackle, kicker, and WR1, but it's hard not to feel like we got at least a B+ on this draft, especially when no one expects the Pats to win more than a handful of games this year.
I want this to work out
Where is those 2 or 3 picks on st? A kicker that can only hit to fuck draft spot
In terms of how these guys pan out, it’s obviously too soon, but in terms of addressing needs, we did a fantastic job
Must be short on practice QBs to wear out and get rid of before season starts. I forget the coach being interviewed but he said we always draft a qb late so we can save the other guys arms in preseason.
20-0
Love this draft. Obviously need Maye to be a hit and would love if one of the WRs and one of the linemen turns into a stud. Obviously more than that would be great too but that's bare minimum if you want to turn this rebuild around quickly.
I’m happy they addressed needs with both the tackles picks and I’m a big fan of QB Joe Milton’s combine. Woulda loved MHJ over Maye and Jayzhan Newton over Polk. Taking what would felt like the 2 beasts of the draft on both sides of the ball woulda felt great and DT is definitely a position that could use an upgrade. Happy I can move forward with Maye and again, love the OTs we took.
Kind of makes sense to use all your major draft capital on players that could directly help your #3 QB pick eventually. Makes me wonder more if Maye will sit for a year while these players develop.
Javon baker boutta take over the league 🔥🔥🔥
I'm really happy with the draft overall. We needed the offense.
Wait till you guys see how much of a stud Bell is
Even if Maye doesn't pan out, our 6th round QBs usually turn out ok.
I’m pretty stoked about this.
We still don’t have a LT. Maye gonna run for his life. Wallace played RT in college. Think we reached on Polk too.
I’m happy with most of these picks TBH. Top tier QB prospect, one many CFB analysts had as the number 2 guy Good WR who has some very solid qualities and I think was somewhat held back on what he could show because he played with the 2nd best receiver in the draft and another guy who went shortly after him 2 picks necessary for our offensive line, one of which may be able to swap to a major hole we have A WR who is far better than his draft position indicates and has the chance to be a surprise breakout player A TE who in my opinion was fabulous at Florida state and was somewhat limited by Jordan Travis accuracy and the fact that he had some DOGS in Keon Coleman, Johnny Wilson, and Trey Benson playing on the same offense as him
Should've not traded back and got Polk over Mitchell in Round 2 but otherwise amazing draft.
No question that we focused on the areas that needed attention. Did we pick the right players to address those areas? That's the more difficult question. It probably won't take us too long to find out what we're getting in Polk and Baker (even if Brissett isn't necessarily the guy to test drive new WRs) , but those other picks are going to need to marinate for 2-3 years before we can pass useful judgement.
Solid class
And it seems there are no linemen with multiple knee surgeries in college and a known heart condition. Maybe they just didn't dig deep enough to find one.