New England Patriots: In-Depth 2017 NFL Draft Review
By Jon Dove
Grade
Despite the lack of numbers, the Patriots deserve high marks for how they orchestrated the entire draft process. They used their draft capital to add a proven commodity in Bradin Cooks and an experienced pass rusher in Kony Ealy.
How Cooks meshes with Tom Brady and the New England offense is going to be fun to watch. He’s a real big-play threat and someone that doesn’t need a scheme to create separation. Cooks will be Brady’s most explosive weapon since Randy Moss was in town.
Adding high-upside defenders like Derek Rivers and Deatrich Wise Jr. gives the Patriots options in the future. If they develop properly it would help the Patriots save some money by not having to target a high-priced pass rusher.
It’s something that makes the big-money deal they gave to cornerback Stephon Gilmore not as painful. The savings could also be a way for the Patriots to keep Jimmy Garoppolo after his deal expires this year.
Antonio Garcia isn’t ready to see the field right away, but has the upside of a high-end player. He also brings versatility to the table possessing the ability to play either tackle position or guard. Overall, the Patriots got better throughout the draft process.
Grade: B-