Following the 2024 NFL Draft, NFL experts and media members claimed that the New England Patriots had one of the best drafts out of all 32 teams. Now after just one season, we can tell that those reporters were wrong. These are my grades for the horrendous 2024 Patriots draft class.
Round 1, Pick 3; Quarterback Drake Maye from the University of North Carolina: Grade A
Drake Maye has lived up to the hype. Coming out of the draft, people thought Maye had skills, but was a very raw prospect with much room to develop. When the Patriots drafted him back in April, many experts such as Dan Orlofsky wanted the Patriots to sit Maye the whole year. Former Patriots Head Coach Jerod Mayo did not listen and started Maye during Week 6. Maye shined all year long, throwing for over 2000 yards and 15 touchdowns. Many believe that the Patriots have their franchise quarterback.
Round 2 Pick 37; Wide receiver Ja’lynn Polk from the University of Washington: Grade D
Ja’lynn Polk looked like the best pick of the draft through Week 5, but after not getting a call that would have been the game-winning touchdown for the Patriots in Week 5 against the Dolphins, Polk got into his head. Since that game, he was not the same player. The once-thought-a-leader was now a problem in the locker room. Polk struggled with injuries the rest of the year and never returned to his pre-Week 5 self.
Round 3 Pick 68; Offensive tackle Caeden Wallace from Penn State University: Grade D
We didn’t see much of Caeden Wallace this year, but when we did, he was awful. He struggled in his first start, allowing multiple sacks and quarterback pressures. However, following that game, he was placed on injured reserve, didn’t return until Week 17 and didn’t play again until Week 18. In Week 18, Wallace was flagged twice for holding, which capped off his lackluster rookie season. I don’t think all hope is lost on Wallace; however, it’s not looking good for the rookie out of Penn State.
Round 4 Pick 103; Guard Layden Robinson from Texas A&M University: Grade C
Layden Robinson didn’t have a bad rookie season and beat out second-year guard Sidy Sow for a starting job and survived. Robinson didn’t show much and just looked alright in the few weeks he played before getting replaced by Micahel Jordan. For the final weeks of the season, Robinson played, but once again was nothing special. That’s why he earned a C grade for this season.
Round 4 Pick 110: Wide receiver Javon Baker from the University of Central Florida: Grade F
After Javon Baker’s outlandish comments on draft day, he caught one ball for 22 yards in the year. His comments included, “I make people in wheelchairs stand up,” and, “Bring your popcorn.” Baker was inactive for most of the season, and when he was active, he played one or two snaps per game. Baker did not have a good rookie season at all, but there is hope.
RD 6 Pick 180: Cornerback Marcellus Dial Jr. from the University of South Carolina: Grade B
Dial was a special teamer the whole year and was pretty good at it. He played for a bit as a cornerback in Week 18 and was alright. Overall, it was a solid rookie season.
Round 6 Pick 192: Quarterback Joe Milton III from the University of Tennessee: Grade B+
Joe Milton was active for one game this year and shined in that game. Milton ran for a touchdown and tossed a long touchdown to standout sophomore wide receiver Kayshon Boutte. Milton was very accurate all game and showed out. Milton is not the answer in New England but could be traded for a high draft pick this offseason.
Round 7 Pick 231: Tight-end Jaheim Bell from Florida State University: Grade D
Bell didn’t get on the field much during his rookie campaign, and when he did, he dropped the football. He had one nice play on the season, coming in Week 18 and that was it.