First and 10: Nine thoughts on Patriots' 2018 draft class taken at BSJ Headquarters (Patriots)

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First and 10: Nine thoughts on Patriots' 2018 draft class

By Christopher Price

Apr 30, 2018 • 7:55 am

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Welcome to first and 10, a roundup of all the (mostly) Patriots-related news you need to start your Monday. Grab your coffee and let’s get to it.

After spending a sizable portion of Sunday watching college film of each one of the Patriots' picks, here are some thoughts on each, and where they might fit in this year and down the road:



Isaiah Wynn: Reminds me a bit of Logan Mankins in that he's big, strong tough lineman who could ultimately has some positional versatility on the next level. A little undersized than most classic tackles, he's still going to be part of the conversation on that left side. And if Shaq Mason leaves in free agency, he might be asked to fill that guard spot as well.


Sony Michel: Heard people classify him as a potential third-down back in this offense. Not the case. He's strong enough to hold up between the numbers. He won't be asked to replicate Dion Lewis' workload this year, but he appears capable of eventually growing into that role.


Duke Dawson: Scrappy nickel corner who will be thrust into a positional battle with the likes of Jonathan and Cyrus Jones.


Ja'Whaun Bentley: Sounds like he enjoyed the Senior Bowl experience so much -- where he was moved around a bit -- the Patriots might try and see what he can do in different situations. But on paper, he's an inside thumper who could challenge Elandon Roberts for playing time.


Christian Sam: Another inside linebacker type. I wonder if the double-dip could eventually lead to Dont'a Hightower (provided he stays healthy) playing more edge than he has in the last couple of years? Maybe one of the reasons the Pats didn't reach for a pass rusher they didn't fall in love with.


Braxton Berrios: As our buddy Phil Perry said, he's the Miami Slot Machine. Super-intriguing prospect who appears to have a lot of Julian Edelman in his game. May end up battling Jordan Matthews for reps. Could challenge for a punt return role as well.


Danny Etling: Developmental guy who doesn't overwhelm you at all offensively, but is really good at not turning the ball over. Some would say that's because he spent the bulk of his LSU career handing off, but he does deserve credit for being smart. Curious about what he learned in his time with Tom Brady's throwing guy Tom House.


Keion Crossen: Best case scenario this year for Crossen? He finds some sort of special teams role. Guy is crazy fast, which (at least) might land him on the practice squad.


Ryan Izzo: Big blocking tight end is likely a practice-squad candidate if everything works out for him in 2018.


--Oh, and I have a post-draft Monday afternoon Q&A that is set to start at 3. Get your questions in now, because it's going to be epic.


Now. on with the links...


1. I argue that what Bill Belichick did in the 2018 draft represents a sizable gamble, but we don't know if his wager will pay off for several months.


3. My Sunday Notebook looked at a number of draft-related topics, including which members of the 2018 rookie class could force some positional battles when training camp commences in July.


5. Here's a look at our live coverage from Day 1, Day 2, and Day 3.


6. Player personnel chief Nick Caserio talked draft after Day 1, Day 2 and Day 3.


8. I wrote on Thursday that the fact that Belichick passed on so much high-end defensive talent says something about how he feels about the guys who are already in the building.


9. Greg says the draft remains a terrific example of how Belichick always leaves himself with plenty of options when it comes to player personnel decisions.


Extra Point: Great story here on Sony Michel's journey to the NFL.

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