2024 NFL Draft 4th through 7th round gamethread WITH SPOILERS
- Thread starter tims4wins
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At 6'2" won't see much time at TE I suspect, but the other traits make him a great fit in the backfield.
Bell is great value at this point. All you can hope for in the 7th is a guy who can make the roster and contribute a little and he definitely has a shot to do that.
Honestly it seems like a reach. Not a fan of this draft after this pick. They could have traded down and picked up a 2027 7th.
If Wolf had any cajones he'd talk about watching Milton throw on a windy 50 degree day and coming away impressed.
Best way to get Rham to go off is to take attention away by receiving threats
My grades for the picks - with a huge grain of salt because I'm no expert in this.
1 (3) - QB Maye - A+. They desperately needed to take a home run cut at QB, and they got their guy. Couldn't ask for more at #3 than this.
2 (5) - WR Polk - B+. Not any sort of guarantee that he will fit what the Pats need, but he's a damned good receiver, and the Pats desperately needed a good receiver.
3 (4) - OT Wallace - B-. Maybe a bit of a reach, but he's been a really good college tackle and again, the Pats needed a tackle.
4 (3) - OG Robinson - C. Aggressive and powerful. Not sure they needed a G, but they need to continue to improve the OL. He can help.
4 (10) - WR Baker - B+. A guy with a ton of potential, and a really nice complement to Polk. The WR room has improved dramatically.
6 (4) - DB Dial - C. Listed as a corner, which the Pats need, but he's probably best suited for cover safety. Which, as it turns out, is also something they need.
6 (17) - QB Milton - C. I don't think he's very good, but he has some exciting tools and it's not a bad plan to take a double shot at QB. Might be a total waste of a pick, but I like the approach.
7 (11) - TE Bell - B-. I like this pick a lot at the end of the draft. He's got some skills. Might be more of a FB or H-back, but he's a good blocker with good hands, and they need that.
Overall: B. If Maye hits, it's an A++ draft, basically by definition, if you find your franchise QB. If he doesn't hit, there's still lots of other guys here that have the potential to hit it big, which could still make it a decent draft. I like that they really went after the things they needed - looked to improve at QB, OL, and WR, with a few wild cards thrown in at the end.
I'm happy with this first Wolf draft. Nicely done. Let's add a few UDFAs with potential and get to camp.
1 (3) - QB Maye - A+. They desperately needed to take a home run cut at QB, and they got their guy. Couldn't ask for more at #3 than this.
2 (5) - WR Polk - B+. Not any sort of guarantee that he will fit what the Pats need, but he's a damned good receiver, and the Pats desperately needed a good receiver.
3 (4) - OT Wallace - B-. Maybe a bit of a reach, but he's been a really good college tackle and again, the Pats needed a tackle.
4 (3) - OG Robinson - C. Aggressive and powerful. Not sure they needed a G, but they need to continue to improve the OL. He can help.
4 (10) - WR Baker - B+. A guy with a ton of potential, and a really nice complement to Polk. The WR room has improved dramatically.
6 (4) - DB Dial - C. Listed as a corner, which the Pats need, but he's probably best suited for cover safety. Which, as it turns out, is also something they need.
6 (17) - QB Milton - C. I don't think he's very good, but he has some exciting tools and it's not a bad plan to take a double shot at QB. Might be a total waste of a pick, but I like the approach.
7 (11) - TE Bell - B-. I like this pick a lot at the end of the draft. He's got some skills. Might be more of a FB or H-back, but he's a good blocker with good hands, and they need that.
Overall: B. If Maye hits, it's an A++ draft, basically by definition, if you find your franchise QB. If he doesn't hit, there's still lots of other guys here that have the potential to hit it big, which could still make it a decent draft. I like that they really went after the things they needed - looked to improve at QB, OL, and WR, with a few wild cards thrown in at the end.
I'm happy with this first Wolf draft. Nicely done. Let's add a few UDFAs with potential and get to camp.
I was hoping for a RB late but they can sign some UDFAs at that position. That room feels light right now.
very light unless they have hope for Kevin Harris. Even then, they could use another body or two.
Not sure how a draft class with a potential franchise QB and "lots of other guys that have the potential to hit it big" gets a B.
I'm happy with Wolf's first draft, as well.
I'll add this: The Patriots desperately needed help on offense, particularly at QB/WR/OL. They addressed all of those positions. Argue about the names all you want, but this approach is what a lot of people around here were asking for (and have asked for in the past) and you got it. They obviously won't hit on all of these picks, but if they can hit on Maye and 1 or 2 more pieces on offense, this will be a great draft.
Because it's entirely possible the QB doesn't pan out, and because it was kind of a no-brainer pick, requiring very little talent. They get credit for making it anyway, but not THAT much credit.
I like using a 6th round pick on a QB. Once in a while you hit on a QB in the 6th round. In this case, he can go through all the rookie QB camp work alongside Maye - like a training buddy for him. Then he's cut or goes to the practice squad if he shows that he's worth the investment.
I would have liked to see them draft a higher-rated tackle than Wallace, but the flip side of that is that they evidently liked this guy and wanted him at some point.
Baker and Bell seems like some great day 3 finds.
If I'm remembering correctly, wasn't he at one point early on considered a possible late 1st/early 2nd pick?
Believe so. I had my own personal list where I catalogued potential draft picks I wanted (didn't share here because it is shit). Kalen King & Blake Fisher were other ones I had very early (October), & their stock dropped big time.
But as a UDFA, I think he's definitely worth a shout.
Overall like this draft. Was nice to see picks that aren't dead ass weird. Some reaches compared to consensus, but ball players and at positions of need. As much as I love Bill, no way he drafts this offense heavy except at gunpoint and maybe even then.
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Obviously you guys know I think BB was overall a great GM as well as a great HC. But he sure did make some WTF picks, fairly regularly. This is the first draft in like 25 years where I didn’t have any WTF moments for the Pats. There were some guys I wish they had taken and some where I was like, hmmmm we could maybe have done better than that, but no true head scratchers.
Very refreshing actually.
Very refreshing actually.
Love the Maye, Baker, Bell and Polk picks. I think the Milton pick is fun. The OL are bigger question marks. Much less confounding than recent years. Focus on offense was logical and welcome. Big weekend for the future of the team. Let's see!
You're not wrong, but some of those WTF picks ended up being some of the most valuable picks of the dynasty. It makes a lot of sense for the first Wolf/Mayo draft to mostly go chalk and make it easy on the fanbase, but maybe they'll sprinkle in a few more surprises in the next few drafts.
If they show no interest in him it’s probably because of Alonzo Highsmith who knows all about him from being down there this past year.
It’s more than that but yes. Those two represent the biggest WTF picks.So, kickers...
I won't lie. I didn't expect to be this hopeful for next season, but I am liking this draft and the trajectory
Can't find the link for the quote, but apparently Breer said that the Pats turned down this from Minnesota: "Earlier this week, Minnesota offered the Nos. 11 and 23 picks, and its 2025 first-rounder, with pick swaps favoring the Vikings as part of the proposal; and that offer ticked up with New England on the clock."
That's interesting. #11, #23, and a 2025 first rounder. The Pats preferred Maye.
That's interesting. #11, #23, and a 2025 first rounder. The Pats preferred Maye.
With pick swaps favoring the Vikings. That is potentially a huge part of it. Imagine ending up with no Maye, and then in next year's draft you have to give a top 5 pick to the Vikings for their #17 or something.
CBS Sports grades:
3. Patriots: Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
Grade: B
He might need some time on the bench, but he has the talent to develop into a good starting quarterback in this league. He just needs to fine tune a few mechanical things. The Patriots had to get a quarterback.
37. Patriots: Ja'Lynn Polk, WR, Washington
Grade: B-
Complete wideout without stellar athletic traits who tracks it awesomely. Flashes of YAC wiggle and power. Fun, versatile piece to add to the offense that needs it. A tick early for him though.
68. Patriots: Caedan Wallace, OT, Penn State
Grade: C-
Sizable framed OT with lumbering feet. Average-at-best athlete. Plays with good calmness and accuracy at second level and has quality power but overall athletic profile was severely threatened often in college. A concern for his NFL future. New England did need to add some OL depth. Worried about his upside.
103. Patriots: Layden Robinson, IOL, Texas A&M
Grade: B+
Mashing guard who plays more athletically than his workout. Tremendous burst off the snap on a routine basis. Could add more strength at the next level. Serious length but hands are late often. Nastiness is there for the run and pass protection. Upside blocker.
110. Patriots: Javon Baker, WR, UCF
Grade: A+
This is a future No. 1 wideout. While not a burner, he plays faster and has the complete skill set. Releases at the line are good, flexibility to get open at intermediate level, YAC prowess, and especially rebounding skills are high-end.
180. Patriots: Marcellus Dial, CB, South Carolina
Grade: A-
This is tremendous value. Zone awareness for days. Didn't see the football thrown in his direction much. Outstanding ball skills when it does arrive. Doesn't miss many tackles either. Hard to find a clear flaw to his game.
193. Patriots: Joe Milton III, QB, Tennessee
Grade: C+
Will immediately have one of the strongest arms in the NFL. Grew a lot as a passer after transfer to Tennessee. Accuracy is very hit or miss and he's an average athlete. Coverage-reading needs to improve.
231. Patriots: Jaheim Bell, TE, FSU
Grade: A+
H-back type with explosive YAC traits. Cutting skill and natural ability to absorb contact and keep the legs churning. Won't be a natural separator but when schemed open he can be a fun asset in the New England offense.
3. Patriots: Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
Grade: B
He might need some time on the bench, but he has the talent to develop into a good starting quarterback in this league. He just needs to fine tune a few mechanical things. The Patriots had to get a quarterback.
37. Patriots: Ja'Lynn Polk, WR, Washington
Grade: B-
Complete wideout without stellar athletic traits who tracks it awesomely. Flashes of YAC wiggle and power. Fun, versatile piece to add to the offense that needs it. A tick early for him though.
68. Patriots: Caedan Wallace, OT, Penn State
Grade: C-
Sizable framed OT with lumbering feet. Average-at-best athlete. Plays with good calmness and accuracy at second level and has quality power but overall athletic profile was severely threatened often in college. A concern for his NFL future. New England did need to add some OL depth. Worried about his upside.
103. Patriots: Layden Robinson, IOL, Texas A&M
Grade: B+
Mashing guard who plays more athletically than his workout. Tremendous burst off the snap on a routine basis. Could add more strength at the next level. Serious length but hands are late often. Nastiness is there for the run and pass protection. Upside blocker.
110. Patriots: Javon Baker, WR, UCF
Grade: A+
This is a future No. 1 wideout. While not a burner, he plays faster and has the complete skill set. Releases at the line are good, flexibility to get open at intermediate level, YAC prowess, and especially rebounding skills are high-end.
180. Patriots: Marcellus Dial, CB, South Carolina
Grade: A-
This is tremendous value. Zone awareness for days. Didn't see the football thrown in his direction much. Outstanding ball skills when it does arrive. Doesn't miss many tackles either. Hard to find a clear flaw to his game.
193. Patriots: Joe Milton III, QB, Tennessee
Grade: C+
Will immediately have one of the strongest arms in the NFL. Grew a lot as a passer after transfer to Tennessee. Accuracy is very hit or miss and he's an average athlete. Coverage-reading needs to improve.
231. Patriots: Jaheim Bell, TE, FSU
Grade: A+
H-back type with explosive YAC traits. Cutting skill and natural ability to absorb contact and keep the legs churning. Won't be a natural separator but when schemed open he can be a fun asset in the New England offense.
6 QBs go in the top 12 picks and Maye is a B?
They also had MHJ as a B+ and Nabors as an A. List seems like a single guy getting clicks.
Ryland didn’t turn out to be a good pick but it’s hard to think of it as too much of a WTF pick. They had a history of drafting kickers/punters, he was generally regarded as one of the top kickers in the draft, Moody had already gone in the 3rd and they needed a kicker with Folk being old, expensive (relatively), not good on kickoffs or long kicks and historically not particularly good (kind of had a late career resurgence)
Matthew Slater was a true WTF pick, but nobody bashes BB for it because it worked out. Matt Wells didn’t work out as a pure ST guy and was similarly WTF. I’d argue that drafting a long snapper (Ingram and Cardona) is more of a WTF than a kicker.
of course, Jordan Richards is still the GOAT of Bill’s draft missteps. That one didn’t make any sense from a need or value perspective.
There was something on boston.com yesterday repeating this and also saying that the Giants made an offer. The story said it strengthened the Pats' conviction in drafting Maye that O'Connell and Daboll wanted him (and apparently wanted him badly).
I think it has to be Tavon Wilson, right? But the funny thing is most of these guys had long NFL careers.
Ebner was a college rugby player. He barely got on the field for OSU. At least guys like Slater, Wilson, and even Cassell saw some snaps.
My list of BB's WTF picks:
2005 QB Cassel - worked out fine
2008 WR Slater - obviously worked out great as they only ever intended for him to be a ST player but at the time it was like, ehhhh...ok?
2010 P Mesko - always is at least a bit of WTF when you take a K or P higher than 7th round
2012 S Ebner - rugby player
2015 S Richards - I guess they had a need but basically EVERYONE thought WTF when that pick was made
2015 LS Cardona - nice to have a quality LS but using a 5th rounder on a LS seemed kinda nuts
2018 RB Michel - less of a true WTF but I think most people were like, wow a RB here in the first round??
2019 P Bailey - see K/P comment with Mesko
2020 K Rohrwasser - just a terrible, awful, needless WTF pick
2020 S Dugger - I put him on there because most non-draft experts had never heard of him or even of Lenoir-Rhyne...taking a D-IAA guy in the second round?
2005 QB Cassel - worked out fine
2008 WR Slater - obviously worked out great as they only ever intended for him to be a ST player but at the time it was like, ehhhh...ok?
2010 P Mesko - always is at least a bit of WTF when you take a K or P higher than 7th round
2012 S Ebner - rugby player
2015 S Richards - I guess they had a need but basically EVERYONE thought WTF when that pick was made
2015 LS Cardona - nice to have a quality LS but using a 5th rounder on a LS seemed kinda nuts
2018 RB Michel - less of a true WTF but I think most people were like, wow a RB here in the first round??
2019 P Bailey - see K/P comment with Mesko
2020 K Rohrwasser - just a terrible, awful, needless WTF pick
2020 S Dugger - I put him on there because most non-draft experts had never heard of him or even of Lenoir-Rhyne...taking a D-IAA guy in the second round?
