Yes, draft grades are dumb, but it's pretty clear they wanted Jones all along ( where did they have him "graded"--who knows but above where they picked him and likely above Fields since they felt no need to trade up). I don't think it can be overstated how important this pick is to the Pats franchise. And there is every reason to think he will succeed in this system given he is a master of the 8-12 yard pass, which is what the Pats passing game has been built around. If you believe in Jones in this system, as I do, then the draft is off to a great start.
Then to grab Barmore in round 2 is just...incredible. He was easily the best player at his position and it's clear BB was surprised they had a chance to move up and get him. Again, I don't think it can be overstated what it means to get a clear 1st round pick in the 2nd round. It's remarkable.
And to add to this, they get one of the best edge rushers in the draft in the 3rd round. These three picks alone based on value has to put them in the "A" range.
The pick that puts the draft over the top for me is the McGrone pick in the 5th. This is a guy who could be a starter down the road. Great upside.
As for the rest of the draft? The RB they drafted clearly stands out. I think his actual skill level is a semi-question mark but he's a bruiser who has a chance to punish his defenders. The Pat have shown exceptional ability to pluck OL talent in the later rounds so you have to trust in their evaluations here.
And finally, they picked a WR last. That's a good thing in my book. As Lazar pointed out, maybe the franchise has decided to punt on this position since they've shown almost zero ability to find talent in the early rounds, at least relative to expectation.
I'm giving it an "A". Of course, it all hinges on Jones becoming the next franchise quarterback.
Then to grab Barmore in round 2 is just...incredible. He was easily the best player at his position and it's clear BB was surprised they had a chance to move up and get him. Again, I don't think it can be overstated what it means to get a clear 1st round pick in the 2nd round. It's remarkable.
And to add to this, they get one of the best edge rushers in the draft in the 3rd round. These three picks alone based on value has to put them in the "A" range.
The pick that puts the draft over the top for me is the McGrone pick in the 5th. This is a guy who could be a starter down the road. Great upside.
As for the rest of the draft? The RB they drafted clearly stands out. I think his actual skill level is a semi-question mark but he's a bruiser who has a chance to punish his defenders. The Pat have shown exceptional ability to pluck OL talent in the later rounds so you have to trust in their evaluations here.
And finally, they picked a WR last. That's a good thing in my book. As Lazar pointed out, maybe the franchise has decided to punt on this position since they've shown almost zero ability to find talent in the early rounds, at least relative to expectation.
I'm giving it an "A". Of course, it all hinges on Jones becoming the next franchise quarterback.