Quick Thoughts on Patriots 2016 Draft Class
The 2016 NFL draft just ended and while teams are still signing players that have gone undrafted, now would be a good time for some quick thoughts on the New England Patriots’ draft class.
Patriots Draft Picks:
CB Cyrus Jones (Alabama)
OL Joe Thuney (NC State)
QB Jacoby Brissett (NC State)
DT Vincent Valentine (Nebraska)
WR Malcolm Mitchell (Georgia)
S/LB Kamu Grungier-Hill (Eastern Illinois)
LB Elandon Roberts (Houston)
OG Ted Karras (Illinois)
WR Devin Lucien (Arizona State)
- Considering they were given the chance to pick back-to-back, it was assumed the Patriots would address two positions on offense (OL or RB). But instead, they opted to pick CB Cyrus Jones for their first selection of the draft and trade away their 2nd pick to the New Orleans Saints. Jones, a solid product from Alabama, joins a CB group that consists of Malcolm Butler, Logan Ryan, Justin Coleman, and Darryl Roberts. CB depth was very thin last season and the Patriots were very fortunate they did not suffer any injuries to their starters.
- The Patriots also addressed their offensive line with two picks dedicated to versatile OL Joe Thuney, who Pro Football Focus say is one of the best picks of Day 2, and OG Ted Karras. With the return of Dante Scarnecchia, these two rookies should develop well along with the rest of the offensive line.
Not only where the Patriots able to address their OL depth, but also their WR depth as well.
- Following an active free agency period with the signings of WRs Chris Hogan and Nate Washington, fans and analysts projected the Patriots taking WRs Braxton Miller, Leonte Caroo, or Pharaoh Cooper in the draft. As per usual, when most believe Bill Belichick and the Patriots will zig, they zag.
- New England ended up taking Georgia receiver Malcolm Mitchell in the fourth round and Devin Lucien in the sixth. Rookie WRs have struggled to grasp the Patriots complex playbook in the past, but could that change this season?
- Also, with 10 wide receivers (not including Matthew Slater) now on the roster, Aaron Dobson could be looking from the outside-in after his time in New England continues to be a disappointment since being drafted in 2013.
- The Patriots made three other additions on the defensive side of the ball with DT Vincent Valentine, LB Elandon Roberts, a strong addition to their already solid LB core, and LB Kamu Grungier-Hill, who to the surprise of none was chosen due to his hybrid role as a safety and linebacker.
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Despite reports of the Patriots likely taking a RB in this draft, they chose not to, passing on options such as Kenneth Dixon and Jonathan Williams.
- After re-signing LeGarrette Blount and Tyler Gaffney (they possibly could looked elsewhere, but due to current market situation, it’s understandable to stick with a player that they are familiar with), the Patriots running back core consists of 6 players, three of which are re-cooperating from injuries. However, they will be alright as long as their run-blocking improves. This may not be what Patriots’ fans want, but they are a running back by committee team and that philosophy likely won’t change.
- And let’s not get started about that third round selection of Jacoby Brissett. Could it be for QB depth purposes? Could it be to convert him into a receiver? Who knows, but most have prepared for one of those Belichick picks that leave fans and analysts scratching their head.
In spite of solid draft, there are a lot of Patriots fans (spoiled Patriots fans) that are complaining and aren’t pleased with the draft selections, and it’s been the same for years now.
“Why didn’t we draft X when Y was still available?”
“All the good (position) are gone…”
“Belichick the GM hurts Belichick the Coach again…”
Next: 2016 NFL Draft: How Did The Patriots Do?
But somehow the Patriots continue to win the the AFC East and have somehow end up in the AFC Championship game for the last 5 seasons.
So, like the great Aaron Rodgers said:
R-E-L-A-X