1. Going into the 2018 NFL draft, the Patriots had four picks in the top 63 overall and many expected them to bring in some big names, including a quarterback and mostly players on the defensive side of the ball. While a few high-caliber players will be coming to New England, an offensive linemen, running back and a cornerback in the first two rounds weren't what many envisioned. As we already wrote, not adding a player in the front-seven over the first two days was a bit surprising. Sure, Dont'a Hightower, Harvey Langi and Derek Rivers will be healthy, and Danny Shelton as well as Adrian Clayborn were added, but what about getting younger and more athletic at linebacker? They did draft two in the later rounds — Ja'Whaun Bentley and Christian Sam — but it is hard to say right now they will be Day 1 contributors. Players taken in the first few rounds usually can be Day 1 contributors. If the Patriots were really into Rashaan Evans or Leighton Vander Esch, why didn't they trade up and swap picks with a team a few picks before them in Round 1, and even throw in an additional second or third-round pick to make sure they got one of them? It was clear the Patriots didn't view that area of the draft (second and third round) as very strong so they could have been OK with giving up one of their three picks in those rounds. By not taking a quarterback until the seventh round, it was clear they just didn't see any being a future franchise QBs, except for maybe at the top and there was no way they could get into the top five. Nothing said the Patriots needed to take a quarterback high in the draft, but since almost expected them to do so, people came away underwhelmed when they didn't. Not doing what many expected them to isn't anything new for Bill Belichick, Nick Caserio and Co., or does it mean it was a poor draft, but it's just worth pointing out the results were not as expected and therefore some second-guessing may come up in the coming weeks
2. Coming in, everyone knew the Patriots would be making trades, as Belichick had made 62 draft-day trades in 18 drafts, but no one could have predicted the eight the team swung over the three days. These deals set New England up nicely for the 2019 draft. Here's how next year looks: first round, second round from Bears, second round, third round from Lions, third round (projected compensation pick), third round (projected compensation pick), fourth round, fifth round, sixth round (projected comp pick), seventh round from Eagles, seventh round and seventh round (projected comp pick). Not only does it give them the potential to make moves next spring, it also allows them to have some draft picks to play with for potential preseason trades for players, which New England has been a fan of in recent years.
3. The Patriots must really not have been into any of the mid-round quarterbacks many projected them to potentially draft. New England had the opportunity to draft the likes of Kyle Lauletta, Luke Falk and Mike White multiple times in various reasonable rounds, but just didn't pull the trigger. It was pretty cool though to see Falk be selected No. 199 (the same as Brady) by the Titans since Falk is a diehard Brady fan. New England did draft Danny Etling out of LSU in seventh round. At this point, it would be a long-shot for him to make the team, but if the Patriots like what they see during training camp he seems like a potential practice squad option.
4. By not selecting a quarterback high in the draft, there will be a lot of hype for the Patriots to bring in Johnny Manziel for training camp. While we're more on board with the idea than most others are, we just don't see it right now. With Tom Brady, Brian Hoyer and Etling on the roster, it doesn't really make sense to go into training camp with four quarterbacks. If the Patriots didn't bring in a rookie quarterback at all then we could have seen Manziel potentially coming to Foxboro, but as of now we don't see it happening.
5. While Caserio downplayed Josh McDaniels being in the draft room and said he's been there in past years, we view it as a fairly significant development. Without knowing for sure, one would assume he had more of a role than in year's past and that could have been part of what was agreed upon when he decided to return to New England. It was also noteworthy that he joined Belichick, Caserio and Robert Kraft as members of the organization who spoke at the Patriots' season ticket holders party Thursday. Given how close Caserio and McDaniels are (teammates in college at John Carroll) it would not be a surprise one day to see McDaniels as head coach and Caserio as GM.
6. It is never easy to predict who the Patriots will be targeting in the draft, but one trait that should be almost a prerequisite is being a college captain. Four of their nine draft picks were college captains, including three of their top five selections and both first-round picks. This could go along with what Belichick allegedly told Urban Meyer a few years ago that he was at the point of his career where he only wanted to bring in players he wanted to coach.
7. It could be a big week at Gillette Stadium. This week marks the beginning of Phase 2 of the offseason workout program. Coaches are now allowed on the field with the players, although no offense vs. defense work or 1-on-1 drills can take place. Unlike the first two weeks, actual football stuff will now take place. Phase 2 lasts for three weeks and it wouldn't be a surprise to see Brady and Rob Gronkowski make their first appearance of the spring. While it may not be this week, we see those two players joining their teammates at some point in Phase 2 since on-field work is starting.
