Even though the NFL draft wrapped up Saturday night, there’s still plenty to react to as now the Patriots shift towards OTAs, minicamp and preparing for the 2018 season.
Here’s five thoughts we still have from the draft from a Patriots perspective.
1. Although the Patriots didn’t make as big of a splash as some might have predicted, they did select several quality players who have a chance to compete for starting jobs right away. This means some current members of the Patriots might have their work cut out for them to make the team. Selecting Isaiah Wynn with the first pick creates a lot of competition on the offense line. In addition, offensive tackle Trent Brown was acquired via trade Friday, so really no spots are set on the line and it will come down to which five look the best come the summer. The selection of Sony Michel at the end of the first round likely means of Jeremy Hill, Mike Gillislee and Brandon Bolden, one of them will not make the team. If things go as planned, Michel could be the Dion Lewis replacement. By selecting Duke Dawson in the second-round, it puts some pressure on Cyrus Jones, who is coming back from a torn ACL, but had a disappointing rookie campaign. And lastly, the two linebackers selected in the middle rounds — Ja’Whaun Bentley and Christian Sam — are very similar to Elandon Roberts, so that will be a competition to watch over the summer as well. Nick Caserio spoke to how beneficial competition is during the summer, so it will be interesting to see how it all plays out.
2. Although the Patriots didn’t select a quarterback high in the draft this year, they set themselves up to be in a good position to select one next year. Eventually they are going to need to draft the next Jimmy Garoppolo and by having additional picks — second-round pick (Lions) and third-round pick (Bears) — they have the ability to maneuver around the draft next year if they identify a quarterback they want. As for the Garoppolo compensation, good luck trying to figure out exactly what the final return for Garoppolo will end up being, as the 49ers’ second-round pick was basically traded twice, including adding the Bears’ selection in the second round next year.
3. The more and more we think about the Michel pick, the more and more we like it. Beyond the trend of the NFL shifting towards dynamic, young running backs with Kareem Hunt and Alvin Kamara having breakout years last year, Michel has the ability to make the Patriots offense better. Having him in the backfield will keep defenses honest in the middle of the field in protecting against the run, which will open up the entire field for Tom Brady and the receivers. New England certainly is making more of a commitment to the running back position than in year’s past.
4. One notable observation from ESPN’s Mike Reiss may explain why the Patriots didn’t go defense with their first two selections like many expected them to. This was because it was a very defense-heavy top of the first round and then things went to offense probably because all of the talented defensive players were off the board. Consider this: 12 of the first 22 picks came on defense, and then starting with Wynn to the Patriots, 17 of the next 22 picks were on offense.
5. Don’t sleep on quarterback Danny Etling and the Patriots. Sure, he was selected in the seventh round and probably won’t be Brady’s successor, but he has the ability to be a quality backup. He threw just two interceptions last season, so obviously he takes good care of the football. Brian Hoyer is getting up there in age too, so eventually he will need to be replaced as well. If Etling impresses enough in the spring and summer, he could be kept around on the practice squad and then be a backup option in 2019.