New England Patriots Draft Grades

How did the Patriots do in the 2021 NFL Draft? Let’s assign the New England Patriots draft grades for every pick they made.

Round 1 (No.15 Overall) QB, Mac Jones 

The quarterback from Alabama was almost the Cinderella of the 2021 NFL Draft, but it just didn’t work out. Jones didn’t go top three like many projected, but I think he ended up in a great situation. The Patriots get their quarterback of the future, and probably the guy most suited to their offense. By getting their guy, and not having to trade up, this is a solid victory dance pick.   

Grade A-

Round 2 (No.38 Overall) DT, Christian Barmore

Yet again Belichick goes to his friend Nick Saban to grab the Alabama product in Barmore. I didn’t like Barmore as much as most, but at 38 you can’t argue with the pick. New England takes the best player available, and strengthens the defensive line. Not much to question here just a lot of common sense.

Grade A

Round 3 (No.96 Overall) EDGE, Ronnie Perkins

Yet another value for New England. Year after year the Patriots remain patient and let good players fall to them. Not sure about Perkins fit in New England, but I absolutely love this kid. I would have taken him in the second round easily. He offers major talent off the edge, and he is the type of player who makes those around him better.

Grade A++

Round 4 (No.120 Overall) RB, Rhamondre Stevenson

Can you say power, power, power? It feels like the Patriots are trying to rebuild their team of old. If that’s the case, this Oklahoma Sooner running back is their new LeGarrette Blount. Stevenson should be able to move the chains and add depth to the already solid running back room. I didn’t view RB as a position of need though so… Grade C

Round 5 (No.177 Overall) LB, Cameron McGrone

I’m not sure how much longer Donta Hightower will be playing at a high level. With that said, adding someone like McGrone who can roam, cover a bit, and has great instincts makes perfect sense. He should plug into a starting role along side Hightower early in his career. Getting a potential first year starter in the fifth round is always a steal. Grade A+

Round 6 (No.188 Overall) DB, Josh Bledsoe

When watching Missouri I wasn’t sure what to think of Bledsoe. I feel like they called him a safety, but made him play slot corner. The fit of him in New England intrigues me. They always have had a knack for taking versatile players and getting the most out of them. This may be a match made in heaven. I would have rated this pick much lower if it was a different team.

Grade B+

Round 6 (No.197 Overall) OG, William Sherman

I’m not going to second guess the Patriots taking a guard in the sixth round. Last year they took one of my favorites in Michael Onwenu, and if you are a Pats fan you know how that turned out. Sherman comes from the Pac-12 via Colorado, where he showed positional versatility and could potentially back up all guard and tackle spots.

Grade B-

Round 7 (No.242 Overall) WR, Tre Nixon

With their last pick they took UCF wide out Nixon. They waited to address the receiver room after giving it so much attention in free agency, but may have found a diamond in the rough. Nixon has the ability to take a short pass a long way. He may fill the Edelman/Welker role in the future. Not a bad gamble here. Grade B

Analyst- Ken Noble

Overall Grade A-