Grading the New England Patriots 2024 Draft Class: Eliot Wolf proves himself in perfect way

And that's a wrap for the 2024 NFL Draft.

The New England Patriots put an emphasis on the offense, and they succeed in bringing in numerous important pieces to help them succeed. 

While the Patriots have yet to name an official general manager, Eliot Wolf clearly proved himself and took what he learned from his days in Green Bay to help New England. 

Here's a look at how the Patriots graded out in this year's draft. 

Round 1, Pick No. 3: UNC QB Drake Maye

This was the right pick for the New England Patriots, and it was a relief to see that they didn't trade it away. Instead they went with the quarterback that they knew could make an impact in New England. Maye has very good arm strength, but needs to work on his footwork. But despite that one flaw, it was an obvious pick for the Patriots and they got their guy. 

Grade: A

Round 2, Pick No. 37: Washington WR Ja'Lynn Polk

The Patriots need a wide receiver and they got a solid one with Polk who emphasized his versatility when speaking with reporters after getting drafted. He can play X, Z, or in the slot, and is already familiar with new receivers coach Tyler Hughes, who was a quality control coach at Washington last year. 

The only question was that Texas WR Adonai Mitchell, who was being talked about as a potential first rounder, was still on the board when the Patriots were up. But due to the questions about his character, Polk certainly seems like the right decision. Let's just hope it plays out that way on the field. 

Grade: B

Round 3, Pick No. 68: Penn State OT Caedan Wallace

The Patriots needed a left tackle, but instead went with an experienced right tackle. And that's why the grade is a little lower. However, Eliot Wolf believes that Wallace can make the switch to the left side. 

What made things harder was the run on left tackles prior to the Patriots' pick. So it makes sense why they took Wallace when they did. But not having a proven left tackle does raise some concern. 

Grade: B-

Round 4, Pick No. 103: Texas A&M OG Layden Robinson

Sidy Sow, who was drafted by the Patriots in 2023, played almost the entire season at right guard. So it didn't seem like right guard was a huge concern for the Patriots, but they took Robison who played there for three years. 

Similar to Wallace, they could be looking to move him over to the left side, but he has only played in games on the right side. However, he did mention that at practice he has worked on playing on the left side along with center. 

Grade: C

Round 4, Pick No. 110: UCF WR Javon Baker

This was a pick that Patriots fans should be very excited about. And his comments to the media after being drafted proved just how ready he is to go. 

Baker is a downfield target, who has some speed and can help generate some big plays for New England. He also admitted to having some experience to catching from Maye, which could make their connection even more electric once the season starts. 

Grade: A

Round 6, Pick No. 180: South Carolina CB Marcellas Dial

Dial's size is what comes into question. He's smaller, which will make it harder for him to compete with some of the receivers on higher passes. However, he called himself "a sticky corner in coverage,” emphasizing his ability to stay close on man-to-man coverage. Dial is someone who's time on the field during rookie minicamp, OTAs, and training camp will truly show what he's capable of

Grade: C

Round 6, Pick No. 193: Tennessee QB Joe Milton III

Similar to Maye, Milton has insane arm strength. And so putting him in a room with Maye will help them both excel. Plus, he has some additional experience in college, whereas Maye is a little fresher. So he can help Maye with leadership abilities. 

This was a surprising pick for the Patriots, but one that is welcome and makes the preseason so much more exciting. Plus getting him with their second to last pick in the draft could wind up being a steal for New England. 

Here is my full column on why the Patriots hit the ball out of the park with this pick. 

Grade: A

Round 7, Pick No. 231: Florida State TE Jaheim Bell

As a seventh round pick, the expectations for Bell is lower meaning he has much more to prove. However, looking at his physical statistics, he's on the smaller side and needs to improve on his blocking. This is a pick that's hard to judge at this moment without seeing how he does on the field. 

Grade: B-

Cumulative Grade: A-

For not having a true general manager, and leaving everything up to Eliot Wolf and Jerod Mayo, this was a pretty solid draft. And Wolf truly proved himself with this impressive Patriots draft class. Getting not one, but two quarterbacks along with numerous offensive weapons and additional help on the offensive line is exactly what the team needed. 

So as of now, I'd say it was a very successful three days for the Patriots.