The 2024 NFL draft has come to a close, and the New England Patriots made one trade and eight draft picks to finalize their class of selected rookies.
All eight will have an opportunity to earn a roster spot for the upcoming season considering how much help the team needed after their 4-13 year. However, some will obviously have larger roles than others.
As we wrap up the draft coverage, we'll take a look at each pick that the Patriots made and assign a grade to that decision.
Round 1, Pick No. 3: QB Drake Maye - North Carolina
GRADE: A
Taking Maye as the best quarterback remaining at New England's first pick was the obvious choice. They needed to upgrade and add a potential franchise guy, and Maye symbolizes that for them. The team has said it's not a guarantee that he begins the season as a starter, but he'll likely see action by the end of the year.
Round 2, Pick No. 37: WR Ja'Lynn Polk - Washington
GRADE: B-
Wide receiver was New England's second biggest need coming into the draft, so the process of taking one was good, but there were a few wideouts left on the board at the time who were seen as better prospects than Polk. On a good team, he'd probably be their third wide receiver, but he'll be competing for the top job for the Patriots.
Round 3, Pick No. 68: OT Caedan Wallace - Penn State
GRADE: C
After re-signing Mike Ownenu this offseason, the Patriots still had a hole at left tackle. So, they drafted a right tackle with the hopes of him being able to make the switch. That's a lot of projecting, but maybe it's something they did in his top-30 visit at some point. Still, having a competition for a starting job where the top two competitors haven't played left tackle in a game with any regularity is interesting.
Round 4, Pick No. 103: OL Layden Robinson - Texas A&M
GRADE: D+
In the last two drafts, New England has used six selections on interior offensive linemen. It's pretty obvious that offensive line play is down across the league, so it's smart to keep taking shots to add guys, but the Patriots had more pressing issues. That's especially the case when many believed Robinson to be a late-Day 3 pick.
Round 4, Pick No. 110: WR Javon Baker - UCF
GRADE: B+
Doubling down on wide receiver in this draft says de facto general manager Eliot Wolf knows how poor the room was despite saying they have NFL players before the draft. Baker had a decent college career, but confidence is something that can make good receivers great, and he doesn't lack that at all. His comments after he was drafted about waiting to be picked were enough to earn him at least a "B."
Round 6, Pick No. 180: CB Marcellas Dial - South Carolina
GRADE: C-
It's always good to take a flier on cornerbacks, especially this team doing so in the later rounds and undrafted free agency. They've hit at a rate that seems higher than most teams. Dial has the body and athleticism to be an NFL cornerback, but he just needs more coaching and to work on his technique.
Round 6, Pick No. 193: QB Joe Milton - Tennessee
GRADE: B-
Like cornerback, quarterback is another position you should always consider taking a shot on, especially if you're not sure if you have your franchise guy or quality depth. Milton has a huge arm, but he hasn't been able to show it off enough despite being in college for six years. He also has some accuracy issues that he can hopefully work on and develop into a solid backup.
Round 7, Pick No. 231: TE Jaheim Bell - Florida State
GRADE: C+
New England may have had four tight ends on the roster before the draft began, but their future at the position was up in the air. Only Hunter Henry was under contract beyond 2024. Now, they'll have a project to work with going forward. Bell's role as a rookie, whether on the roster or the practice squad, will be just to get better and work. He's not ready to play in the NFL, but he has some traits that make him an intriguing prospect.
