New England Patriots Draft Grade:

Round 2, #52 – OLB Jamie Collins So. Miss – Grade: B-

-Collins is an intriguing edge rusher, who fills a need for the New England Patriots. To me he is more of a rush linebacker type, which makes him a bit of an odd fit, unless the Patriots look to show more 3-4 looks this season. Collins is also a bit raw, and probably drafted a round too high here.

Round 2, #59 – WR Aaron Dobson, Marshall – Grade: B

-Dobson is a really nice pick-up for the Patriots. Instead of reaching for a receiver in the first, they land an intriguing talent in Dobson in the late 2nd round. This is a slight reach of a pick, but Dobson is a nice fit for them as a receiver. He offers a good size/speed combo, and should be a contributor this year.

Round 3,#83 – CB Logan Ryan, Rutgers – Grade: B-

-Ryan helps the Patriots fill a need, and this is a solid value spot for him, but New England passed up some more talented players at bigger needs for this selection. Ryan also may take a year or two to develop.

Round 3, #92 – S Duron Harmon, Rutgers – Grade: D-

-This was one of the more shocking picks in the top 3 rounds. Harmon wasn’t a guy who was trending on a lot of people’s draft boards and looked to be a late round pick/undrafted guy. Though safety is a need this is probably a reach that the Patriots will regret.

Round 4, #102 – WR Josh Boyce, TCU – Grade: B-

-Boyce is a nice mid-round pick-up and helps strengthen the Patriots receiver corps. He’s got good speed and can play in the slot as well. It’s a slight reach and he may be a year away from significantly contributing, but other than that it’s a nice pick.

Round 7, #226 – DE Michael Buchanan, Illinois – Grade: B-

-Buchanan is a good late round pass rushing option. He had a down year at Illinois, but his junior yeah he showed a lot of potential. He’ll probably be limited to just a situational role, but you can never have too many guys who can get after the quarterback.

Round 7, #235 – ILB Steve Beauharnais, Rutgers – Grade: C+

-This is solid late round value for Beauharnais, who displays solid instincts and tackling ability. He’ll likely make the team and contribute as a special teamer, but in a couple year he could earn a starting spot.

Overall: C+

-This was a borderline grade between a C+ and a B-, but in the end I went with the lower grade. The Patriots took some projects and and overdrafted a couple of guys in this draft which prevents it from being higher. If some of these players pan out the Patriots could end up with a strong class, but right now it is likely they get little immediate impact from this class. New England did address needs and made a smart trade back, but for a team who has been among the four best each of the last two years you would expect them to try to draft some more sure things.