The New England Patriots selected eight players in the 2024 NFL draft and all of them made the 53-man roster out of training camp.
However, in New England's season-opening win against the Cincinnati Bengals, not many made an impact.
Drake Maye served as the backup quarterback and tight end Jaheim Bell was the third tight end, so neither saw snaps while Joe Milton III and Javon Baker were both inactive.
Second-round pick Ja'Lynn Polk caught his lone target for six yards. Third-round pick Caedan Wallace played 18 offensive snaps (as an extra tight end) and four on special teams. Defensive back Marcellas Dial played 17 special teams snaps and none on defense.
The only rookie who impressed on Sunday was fourth-round pick Layden Robinson. The former Aggie started at right guard and played all 65 offensive snaps.
Robinson was partially responsible for New England's success on the ground, allowing Rhamondre Stevenson to rush for 120 yards on nearly five yards per attempt and a touchdown.
On that score, Robinson laid a ferocious block to help open the hole for Stevenson to walk into the end zone from three yards out.
#Patriots O-line kicked some ass on Stevenson's TD run.
— Andrew Callahan (@_AndrewCallahan) September 8, 2024
Can't believe Mike Onwenu made these blocks after gaining 800 pounds. pic.twitter.com/S1J15TRVJr
On Monday, Patriots head coach Joerd Mayo was asked about Robinson's performance in the game, and the coach had some good things to say about the rookie.
"There was a point in time during training camp where not only myself but I think the other coaches saw that we said 'You know what? Layden Robinson has an opportunity to be a special player in this league,'" Mayo said. "He's tough. He'll move guys off the line of scrimmage. He can do it all and just his overall effort and mentality is something that we think about changing the culture, he's definitely one of those guys that fits into that box. He did a great job. Now, in saying that, it's only one game. We'll see how that continues to progress going forward."
If New England hit on another mid-round guard, this should allow the team to feel good about keeping Michael Onwenu at right tackle and could soften the blow of not having Cole Strange early in this season.
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