The New England Patriots had a bit of an odd NFL Draft, at least based on what I was expecting. We figured the Patriots, who were armed with two first round picks, would be trading around, which they like to do. They did make a couple of trades in the first round, but they moved up to select two defensive players.
NFL Draft Grades: Patriots Take Aim At Pass Rush
The Patriots like to move back and stockpile picks. They instead moved up to select Syracuse DE Chandler Jones and Alabama LB Dont’a Hightower. The Patriots had a need entering the offseason to fix the pass rush. They clearly made that a priority entering the NFL Draft and succeeded in upgrading the talent at that position.
In Round 2, the Patriots selected Illinois CB Tavon Wilson, which NFL Network’s Mike Mayock called a big shock. Wilson was rated lower on draft boards. Bill Belichick and the Patriots have a need in the secondary as well, so this was likely a pick based on that.
I’m leaving the Patriots with a B. I like the aggressiveness in the first round to address a need area. But the Wilson pick is a little disappointing (and it’s not like Belichick is a master at drafting defensive backs).
For more on the Patriots, visit Pats Pulpit and SB Nation Boston. For more draft information, check out Mocking the Draft. Check out our previous NFL Draft grades for day one and day two.
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