Post by texaspat on Apr 27, 2024 11:33:02 GMT -5
Round 1
No. 3: Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
How he fits
New England is taking a chance on potential over experience. The Patriots had options to trade down and perhaps stockpile at other positions, but the need at quarterback was greater. It’s a risk for New England, which ruined a quarterback in Mac Jones, but it’s the right one.
When one looks at Maye, they see a carbon copy of the prototypical quarterback. His size (6-4, 223) and arm strength are reminiscent of Andrew Luck. His statistics back it up over his two seasons as a starter: 7,929 yards, 62 touchdowns, 16 interceptions and a 64.9 completion percentage. He also was a tough runner with 1,147 yards and 16 touchdowns.
There’s no question Maye has every tangible quality NFL personnel seek in a quarterback and his intangible gifts are obvious as well. But his career trajectory will move upward if he can slow down a bit and make all of the plays. That’s going to require patience from the front office, coaches and teammates — as well as himself. Considering his potential, Maye may have the most upside of any quarterback in the draft. That’s worth betting on. — Scott Dochterman
Dane Brugler’s analysis:
Maye needs to cut down on the reckless decisions, but he is a well-put-together passer with the on-field command, athletic instincts and arm talent to create solutions for the problems that NFL defenses present. With his physical gifts and smarts, he is cut from the same cloth as Justin Herbert and has a similar ceiling as an NFL player.
GRADE: A
RESPONSE: Prior to the draft, I stated that unless the Patriots felt strongly that Maye was their guy, that they should trade down, or consider stud LT Alt. Based on what I've read and the fact that they turned in their draft card quickly when Pick #3 was called, they have that strong belief in Maye.
Here's an excellent article on their evaluation process, and the reasons why they decided not to trade down: theathletic.com/5447827/2024/04/26/patriots-drake-maye-nfl-draft/
Round 2
No. 37: Ja’Lynn Polk, WR, Washington
How he fits
New England needed a threat at receiver for new quarterback Drake Maye, and it picked up one with Ja’Lynn Polk (6-1, 203). Last year, Polk had a breakout year with 69 catches for 1,159 yards (16.8 yards per catch) and nine touchdowns. Tough and competitive but lacking top-end speed, Polk is not afraid to block or make tough catches over the middle. This was probably a bit high for him, however. — Scott Dochterman
Dane Brugler’s analysis
Polk must continue developing as a route runner, but he is a natural athlete addressing the football with three-level instincts and pro-level toughness. A potential NFL starter, his game is reminiscent of Josh Palmer’s when he came out of Tennessee.
GRADE: C+
RESPONSE: Unfortunately, the Patriots continued their maddening tendency to overdraft players. Polk is not a bad player. But, at pick #37?? If a team like the Chiefs target a guy for their team and overdraft a player, it's acceptable because they're already a contending team, looking to fill a certain spot.
The Patriots are in a full rebuild. In such a state, they need to maximize the value of each and every pick. They failed to do this with this pick.
Round 3
No. 68: Caedan Wallace, OT, Penn State
How he fits
The right tackle opposite Olu Fashanu at Penn State, Wallace is a huge man (nearly 6-foot-5, 314 pounds) with 10 3/4-inch hands and 34-inch arms. He also plays with great explosion and good speed into the second level as a road-grading right tackle. Wallace is 24 and there are some technique inconsistencies to be addressed, but he’s a powerful run blocker who moves people at the point of attack. He might not wow people the way an athlete like Brandon Coleman can, but he’s more steady for my taste. And New England needed it. — Nick Baumgardner
Dane Brugler’s analysis
Wallace needs to continue developing his consistency, but he is a smooth athlete with a wide base, punch-ready hands and improved physicality to finish. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see him starting as an NFL rookie at right tackle or potentially inside at guard.
GRADE: B+
RESPONSE: I like the pick. Any OL help is welcome. But, regardless of what defacto GM Wolfe says, he's not a LT.
theathletic.com/5438789/2024/04/27/new-england-patriots-2024-draft-picks-grades-scouting-reports/
No. 3: Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
How he fits
New England is taking a chance on potential over experience. The Patriots had options to trade down and perhaps stockpile at other positions, but the need at quarterback was greater. It’s a risk for New England, which ruined a quarterback in Mac Jones, but it’s the right one.
When one looks at Maye, they see a carbon copy of the prototypical quarterback. His size (6-4, 223) and arm strength are reminiscent of Andrew Luck. His statistics back it up over his two seasons as a starter: 7,929 yards, 62 touchdowns, 16 interceptions and a 64.9 completion percentage. He also was a tough runner with 1,147 yards and 16 touchdowns.
There’s no question Maye has every tangible quality NFL personnel seek in a quarterback and his intangible gifts are obvious as well. But his career trajectory will move upward if he can slow down a bit and make all of the plays. That’s going to require patience from the front office, coaches and teammates — as well as himself. Considering his potential, Maye may have the most upside of any quarterback in the draft. That’s worth betting on. — Scott Dochterman
Dane Brugler’s analysis:
Maye needs to cut down on the reckless decisions, but he is a well-put-together passer with the on-field command, athletic instincts and arm talent to create solutions for the problems that NFL defenses present. With his physical gifts and smarts, he is cut from the same cloth as Justin Herbert and has a similar ceiling as an NFL player.
GRADE: A
RESPONSE: Prior to the draft, I stated that unless the Patriots felt strongly that Maye was their guy, that they should trade down, or consider stud LT Alt. Based on what I've read and the fact that they turned in their draft card quickly when Pick #3 was called, they have that strong belief in Maye.
Here's an excellent article on their evaluation process, and the reasons why they decided not to trade down: theathletic.com/5447827/2024/04/26/patriots-drake-maye-nfl-draft/
Round 2
No. 37: Ja’Lynn Polk, WR, Washington
How he fits
New England needed a threat at receiver for new quarterback Drake Maye, and it picked up one with Ja’Lynn Polk (6-1, 203). Last year, Polk had a breakout year with 69 catches for 1,159 yards (16.8 yards per catch) and nine touchdowns. Tough and competitive but lacking top-end speed, Polk is not afraid to block or make tough catches over the middle. This was probably a bit high for him, however. — Scott Dochterman
Dane Brugler’s analysis
Polk must continue developing as a route runner, but he is a natural athlete addressing the football with three-level instincts and pro-level toughness. A potential NFL starter, his game is reminiscent of Josh Palmer’s when he came out of Tennessee.
GRADE: C+
RESPONSE: Unfortunately, the Patriots continued their maddening tendency to overdraft players. Polk is not a bad player. But, at pick #37?? If a team like the Chiefs target a guy for their team and overdraft a player, it's acceptable because they're already a contending team, looking to fill a certain spot.
The Patriots are in a full rebuild. In such a state, they need to maximize the value of each and every pick. They failed to do this with this pick.
Round 3
No. 68: Caedan Wallace, OT, Penn State
How he fits
The right tackle opposite Olu Fashanu at Penn State, Wallace is a huge man (nearly 6-foot-5, 314 pounds) with 10 3/4-inch hands and 34-inch arms. He also plays with great explosion and good speed into the second level as a road-grading right tackle. Wallace is 24 and there are some technique inconsistencies to be addressed, but he’s a powerful run blocker who moves people at the point of attack. He might not wow people the way an athlete like Brandon Coleman can, but he’s more steady for my taste. And New England needed it. — Nick Baumgardner
Dane Brugler’s analysis
Wallace needs to continue developing his consistency, but he is a smooth athlete with a wide base, punch-ready hands and improved physicality to finish. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see him starting as an NFL rookie at right tackle or potentially inside at guard.
GRADE: B+
RESPONSE: I like the pick. Any OL help is welcome. But, regardless of what defacto GM Wolfe says, he's not a LT.
theathletic.com/5438789/2024/04/27/new-england-patriots-2024-draft-picks-grades-scouting-reports/