New England Patriots 2016 NFL Draft Review, Grades

OVERALL GRADE: B

Without a first round draft pick the New England Patriots were already hamstrung going into the draft. However, they were able to turn their picks into a solid group of players and some future draft capital due to their usual maneuvering around the draft board via trade. They replaced their lost fourth round draft pick for 2017 and added two or three players who should be significant contributors by 2017.

Cornerback Cyrus Jones should be one of the top three cornerbacks immediately and guard(? center? tackle?) Joe Thuney is expected to be a starter somewhere on the line by 2017. Fourth round draft pick Malcolm Mitchell looks to be a great fit in New England and should add youth and depth to a wide receiver corps in desperate need of both.

Brissett was the surprise pick as a developmental quarterback. WIth Tom Brady nearly 40 years old the Patriots should be drafting a quarterback every year in order to accumulate options at the position. Vincent Valentine may not contribute in 2016 but he has upside and at pick #96 overall is worth the gamble.

The three sixth round draft picks and seventh round pick are all wild cards and even a special teams player emerging from the quartet is a win. With all four picks in the 200s, the Patriots are hoping for a little luck with those picks.

All-in-all, it was a typical New England Patriots draft. The team drafted with an eye on 2017 and 2018 and added a number of prospects who should help down the road. With a strong core of players on the roster already and an aggressive approach to fill the roster via free agency, the Patriots had the option of drafting for the future and took full advantage of it.