Success

When the quality of the line improves, every player improves. But I agree - we saw the talent last year. It's been mentioned that he added weight to his frame, and I think he's poised for a big breakout year. Our pass rush in general is going to be night & day from last year. It's exciting to have a team that this is this complete & dominant (on paper), on both sides of the ball.

I'm always surprised checking the Pats boards. They still think Mac Jones has potential to be elite. I mean, I don't want to hot take that he can't be after 1 season, but it would definitely shock me. All 3 teams in the division have very solid rosters at this point. I think who emerges as our main competition depends entirely on which of the QB's really pans out. If I had to put a bet on it, it would be Wilson. He had games last season where he looked like a disaster, but he has the most skills and with proper coaching could be excellent (imo). Not seeing it w/ Tua or Jones, but who knows.

I thoroughly enjoyed this write-up. Most of the takes were how I felt about it, though more researched and knowledgeable. My evaluation of drafts is usually pretty basic: am I looking forward to seeing these guys play? For the 1st 5 picks, that's a strong yes.

I think the Jets have taken a huge step over where they were. I also think Wilson has the most potential over Jones or Tua. Pats seem to be intentionally tanking. That draft was inexplicable. They got older & worse.

I can't believe how strong that looks on paper.

You know what? It wouldn't concern me. I think the Pats are going to struggle to compete in this division now. It wouldn't shock me if the Jets were our biggest competition.

Great write-up! What a good summary of each player (especially for someone like me, who doesn't really follow college). Just from a "needs" perspective, I love the draft from a positional standpoint. And looking at the characteristics of each pick, everything seems consistent w/ the type of player & individual they're looking for. I feel like at least 3-4 of these guys will end up either being starters, or strong contributors.

Honestly, this might be one of the worst drafts I've ever seen for the Patriots.

I think we've had a great draft. Obviously, no way to know for a few years - but I can see the vision behind it. We got every position I wanted, personally, and it looks like a hard-working, high character group.

Has a team ever traded up for a punter? Hard to see it happening.

Most of these teams have a long way to go to close the gap w/ Buffalo. They likely won't do it w/ late rounders.

I have no idea how this draft will pan out - but like free agency, it seems like the AFC is doing better. Even beyond the QB situation, the strength of the conferences seems pretty lopsided right now.

I'm 100% ready for massive overreactions to picks that will likely end up on the practice squad.

Why is it an "obvious reach?" Because a few mocks online had him later?

Speed, smarts, leadership, intangibles. I think Beane went w/ his gut on this one, and saw a guy who could add a lot to this team. Maybe he could have gotten him in a later round, but who knows. We also have to get out of the drought-era mentality where every pick had to hit for us to even be competitive. Beane can take some risks now and it doesn't have as much of an impact if it doesn't pan out.

The 13 seconds was coaching. The whole GAME was defense - and we saw bad defense at other points in the season, like the Taylor game. We did NOT have a #1 defense last year. Marginal top 10, maybe. And defense wins championships. I support the offseason focus on D completely.

Someone linked the original thread when Allen was drafted recently. It was really gold to read though now. I always go into any draft supporting pretty much whoever they pick. I read the mocks and watch the pundits like everyone else - but I also realize that I don't live & breathe this stuff 24x7 like real NFL scouts do. Our current staff has given me no reason whatsoever to doubt them.

I don't have any issue whatsoever drafting a good or even great special teamer in the 3rd, especially on a team w/ very few holes & where it would be almost impossible to get a starter at this stage of the draft. Special teams is huge, and a significant part of winning a championship.

I don't know what to think (I never do) - but special teams is too often overlooked as a reason to prioritize players. Having a leader & impact player in that unit could be big reasoning here.

Oh, man - are we ever gonna love this guy....

Drafts are always a hot take festival.

So, this is how Pats fans felt for 20 years.

The Jets had a dozen holes to fill. We filled our only one.

No disrespect, but I care infinitely more about who Beane wants for us.

We haven't picked yet.