NFL Notebook: 32 thoughts on the draft, and the Patriots' quarterback decision

After a long three days, some lingering Sunday thoughts on a Monday on the NFL Draft, starting with the Patriots and their AFC East brethren...

PATRIOTS

Seems like the fifth round is now Bill Belichick's second "reach" round in the draft. Makes sense. First round you look for solid doubles. In the second, you try for athletic upside. Third and fourth you're looking to leg out a single or two. Sixth and seven are glorified UDFAs. ... Last year was the Justin Rohrwassser debacle. Previously, Jake Bailey and Ja'Whaun Bentley worked out to varying degrees. ... There's a lot to like with LB Cameron McGrone and the Patriots need a succession plan at Mike. Don't mind the possible ACL rehab year either. Yes, it's easier than ever to come back from ACLs, but not everyone is the same. Time will tell, but you can see the logic.

BILLS

This is now two years in a row GM Brandon Beane has taken an edge guy I wanted for the Patriots (AJ Epenesa and Gregory Rousseau), and now he took the two athletic OTs I wanted in New England (Spencer Brown, Tommy Doyle). Beane is starting to get on my nerves.

DOLPHINS

Feels like Chris Grier knocked it out of the park with possible future starters at WR, edge, safety and tackle. Now, if Brian Flores could make up his mind on assistant coaches and free agents, the Dolphins might really be building something.

JETS

Got the best interior offensive lineman, slot and a good running back. Will Zach Wilson survive in the Big Apple and wearing green? That's the essential question.

Around the AFC ...

RAVENS

Eric DeCosta is one the best GMs in the league but they've had issues drafting WRs and Rashod Bateman may struggle making the transition because he's not a dynamic athlete (great 50-50 ability). OLB Odafe Oweh is a big bet as well.

BENGALS

When you have Joe Burrow and he was broken in half last year, I will never like passing on the OT for a WR. He can't throw it if he's getting killed. Should have taken Penei Sewell.

BROWNS

If CB Greg Newsome works out — and Cleveland does not have a great CB draft history — looks like a promising class.

BRONCOS

They don't take a QB and select a CB in Patrick Surtain ... Packers need CBs ... hmmm.

TEXANS

I wouldn't draw any conclusions about Houston taking QB Davis Mills and being a possible pick of the Patriots in the same situation. Nick Caserio was gone long before Bill Belichick and Josh McDaniels really got to work on the QBs.

COLTS

On paper, Kwity Paye is a good match for what the Colts need, but I wonder when he can get his immense skills to work for him on the field. He has rarely played as good as he tested.

JAGUARS

They needed a lot, and they got a lot. A lot of talent in that class at several spots.

CHIEFS

LB Nick Bolton, on film, was just a football-seeking bowling ball.

RAIDERS

If Vegas drafted S Trevon Moehrig in the first, and then OL Alex Leatherwood in the second, everyone would have thought it was a great draft. We'll see.

CHARGERS

See, Bengals, that's how you protect your franchise: 13th pick, OT Rashawn Slater, Northwestern. Chargers have been a dumpster fire on the o-line for years.

STEELERS

Their draft was basically just eating your vegetables. Nothing really that flashy, but it should be good for you down the road.

TITANS

This all comes down to Caleb Farley's back. GM Jon Robinson was in New England when the Patriots gambled on Rob Gronkowski's similar situation in the second round, and we all know how that turned out. The discussion on Gronk's back then was it's matter of when, not if, Gronk's back is going to become an issue. But are you comfortable if you only get three or four years of great play (that was obviously wrong on Gronk)?

Legendary.

After four decades of impact on the game, Ernie Adams does the honors for the final pick of his final #PatsDraft. pic.twitter.com/fPbBZ9WRt9

— New England Patriots (@Patriots) May 3, 2021