Round 1, Pick 15: Mac Jones (QB, Alabama)

I’m just gonna start by saying I’m out on Mac Jones. Call me whatever you want but I believe in the often talked about Bama QB to NFL thing. I do think he’ll get some playing time this season and will see how different things are in the big leagues where his guys aren’t running wide open every play.

Round 2, Pick 38: Christian Barmore (DL, Alabama)

This was a solid pickup here in my opinion and worth trading up from 46. Barmore is rated as one of the top d-line prospects in this class and should see time right away at a position of need for NE.

Round 3, Pick 96: Ronnie Perkins (DE, Oklahoma)

With the additions of Matthew Judon and Kyle Van Noy in free agency and already having Chase Winovich and Josh Uche in house, this pick looks to add depth to a group that ranked 27th in sacks last season.

Round 4, Pick 120: Rhamondre Stevenson (RB, Oklahoma)

The Patriots may be looking for Stevenson to be the replacement to Sony Michel, James White or possibly both impending free agents. This 6’ 230lb back has been called a “battering ram” amongst other things by scouts. He could surely improve his pass catching though.

Round 5, Pick 177: Cameron McGrone (LB, Michigan)

I’m not mad at taking a late round flyer on a guy who at best could be a decent rotation player and at worst could contribute on special teams.

Round 6, Pick 188: Joshuah Bledsoe (S, Missouri)

Another selection I see as a depth move. He’ll be used most likely as a hybrid S/LB and will likely see his snaps limited on passing downs due to his struggles in coverage.

Round 6, Pick 197: William Sherman (T, Colorado)

A versatile lineman that could play tackle or guard (his height, 6’3, indicates that he’ll play guard). He has good hips and footwork, however, he may struggle with the strength of pro pass rushers. For now he’ll be a suitable backup along the front.

Round 7, Pick 242: Tre Nixon (WR, Central Florida)

Considered a position of need for the Patriots, they waited until the seventh round to take a wideout. Nixon provides New England with a speedy WR with very good route running talent who at times struggles to track and/or catch the ball.

Overall Grade: C+

Off-season Moves and Season Outlook: New England Patriots surprised a lot of folks by bringing back former MVP QB Cam Newton at the start of free agency. They then went to do something uncharacteristic of the Patriots we’re used to. Breaking the bank to bring in guys like Jonnu Smith, Matthew Judon, Hunter Henry, Kendrick Bourne and Nelson Agholor. The Patriots will be facing off against the NFC/AFC South this year and are projected to have the 21st toughest schedule this upcoming season. While fans are eagerly anticipating New England’s return to prominence, between the sure to happen QB flip flopping and the inability to pressure opposing QB’s, I believe they fail to make the postseason yet again.

Predicted record: 6-11