Bedard: Scorecard time - One alternative to what the Patriots did in the 2024 draft

After each draft, everyone wants to know ... "Well, Bedahd, if you're so effing smaht, why don't you say what you would have done ... idiot."

Well, for the third straight year, here's our offering. Previous years, with various hits and misses just like the professionals:

2022 Draft
2023 Draft

After months, if not years, worth of work, Eliot Wolf, Jerod Mayo and the Patriots made their selections in the 2024 NFL Draft:

1-3. Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina.
2-37. Ja'Lynn Polk, WR, Washington. (Trade DOWN with LAC giving up 34 and 137 and getting back 37 and 110).
3-68. Caeden Wallace, OT, Washington.
4-103. Layden Robinson, G, Texas A&M.
4-110. Javon Baker, WR, UCF.
6-180. Marcellas Dial, CB, South Carolina.
6-193. Joe Milton, QB, Tennessee.
7-231. Jaheim Bell, TE, Florida State.

We'll see in three years how they did. They certainly put in the work, have earned the right to make the decisions they did, and deserve to see their work through.

I had the Patriots going QB, WR and OT in their first three picks. They did just that, in a somewhat curious fashion.

Keon Coleman, my mocked WR to NE at 34, ended up going 33, as the Patriots tried and failed to trade up with Buffalo in the first round for either WR Xavier Legette or Coleman.

Blake Fisher, my mocked NE OT at 68, went 59 to Houston.

The Patriots picked some good players. I like Maye and Ja'Lynn Polk for them. The rest are questionable, but Day 3 was always going to be a time to stretch because of the dearth of underclassmen in this draft.

The proof, as they say, will be in the pudding a few years from now.

Let's add to the pile of second-guessing. After a mere week or two of work on these prospects and not much intelligence available on their intangibles, here are the moves we would have made, had we been in control of the Patriots' draft board.

Would we have taken the trade on the first pick?

FIRST ROUND, 3RD OVERALL

The Patriots are on the clock. 

We know they had trade offers from the Vikings and Giants, but those were not worth much consideration since they were chalk trade offers for 3, without the QB premium.

Players on the board at 3 worth considering: QB Drake Maye, WR Marvin Harrison Jr., OT Joe Alt, WR Malk Nabers

The debate: None. I'm not starting my rebuilding with a WR if I don't have a known path (trade up) for either JJ McCarthy or Michael Penix, and I have conviction about the talent and the player. I do on Maye. He's worth the swing. Now it's up to Alex Van Pelt and Ben McAdoo. Hope Wolf put his faith in the right people.

THE PICK: Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina.

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SECOND ROUND, 34TH OVERALL

Players on the board: WR Ladd McConkey, DT Jer'Zhan Newton, WR Ja'Lynn Polk, DT T'Vondre Sweat, DB Cooper DeJean, WR Adonai Mitchell, OT Patrick Paul.

The debate: I wanted to trade back into the first round for a good LT prospect, but neither the Packers (25-Jordan Morgan, who is a reach) nor Cowboys (29-Tyler Guyton) would move. They both needed LTs and they rebuffed me.

Could I have gotten the 49ers to move back three spots and take Legette? I don't know for sure, but they seemed pretty convicted on taking Ricky Pearsall.

Now the Chargers are calling in an equal trade and I get to move up in the fourth round. As long as they don't take Polk, I should be good. If they do, I might trade down again or pick McConkey or one of the defensive players.

THE MOVE: TAKE THE TRADE DOWN WITH THE CHARGERS

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SECOND ROUND, 37TH OVERALL

Players on the board: WR Ja'Lynn Polk, DT T'Vondre Sweat, DB Cooper DeJean, WR Adonai Mitchell, OT Patrick Paul.

The debate: OK, my guy is still there. Phew. Sorry, but I'm passing on Mitchell and his better upside due to off-field concerns and I can't get his horrible combine workout out of my head.

THE PICK: Ja'Lynn Polk, WR, Washington.

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THIRD ROUND, 68th OVERALL

Before we even get to 68th, I'm getting antsy in the bottom on the second round because at 55, these OTs are on the board: Patrick Paul, Blake Fisher, Roger Rosengarten and Kingsley Suamataia. They are really the last four on my board with decent upside to play left tackle. Even Rosengarten is a reach on that but he's definitely a tackle. Everybody else after this is a crapshoot on whether they can play tackle.

I'm making calls. 

Crap, Paul went 55 to Miami ... but I didn't love him. Project.

Fisher is on the board at 59 and old friend Nick Caserio. I'm intrigued, but Suamataia is also there. I'm passing.

Suamatia is on the board with the 49ers at 63. I'm calling, but so are the Chiefs again. Here's the Rich Hill trade chart.

From KC to SF (93 points):

64 (84)
173 (9)

From SF to KC (86 points):

63 (82)
211 (4)

San Fran gains 7 points in the deal. Not bad. I'm countering.

NE offers (102 points):

68 (73)
110 (29)

For:

From SF to KC (86 points):

63 (82)
211 (4)

49ers take the deal.

I'm not on the clock at 63.

The debate: No debate. I'm coming up for my guy and using my extra pick from the Chargers.

THE PICK: Kingsley Suamataia, OT, BYU.

I get my possible LT of the future.

Bob McGinn on him:

9. KINGSLEY SUAMATAIA, Brigham Young (6-4 ½, 322, 5.02, 2-3): Entered the transfer portal during the 2021 season at Oregon after getting in one game. At BYU, he started at RT in 2022 and at LT in ’23. “He’s at the top of my intriguing-guy list,” said one scout. “He’s gigantic and he plays on his feet. Got really good technique. Not a super nimble athletic guy but it’s hard to get around him. His feet are good enough. He’s got length. Unlike some others, he knows how to play. He’s just not an elite athlete.” His 31 reps on the bench press led the position. “He’s got a lot of good stuff to him but it’s the inconsistency of his determination and toughness that get him in trouble,” a second scout said. “He doesn’t know how to finish. He is not (a bad kid).” Lions tackle Penei Sewell is his cousin. “He is pretty talented but he has major makeup issues and really high bust potential because of that,” a third scout said. “He’s almost like one of these modern-day quarterbacks in a negative connotation. He’s really high maintenance.” Arms were 34 ¼, hands were 10 5/8. From Orem, Utah.

Brugler:

7. KINGSLEY SUAMATAIA | BYU 6045 | 326 lbs. | 3SO Orem, Utah (Orem) 1/18/2003 (age 21.27) #78

SUMMARY: A two-year starter at BYU, Suamataia lined up at left tackle this past season in offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick’s RPO offense, which utilizes wide- and mid-zone schemes. Highly recruited, he had a short stint at Oregon before feeling “more comfortable” closer to home with BYU, where he played both tackle spots. His 1,342 offensive snaps in college were evenly split between left tackle (48.8 percent) and right tackle (51.2 percent). Suamataia played in an offense that wanted to run the ball downhill, and he was happy to oblige, displaying range and an initial pop as a drive blocker. He is nimble in pass protection with the strength to lock down rushers, but his timing, technique and recognition skills remain immature. Overall, Suamataia is still very young and lacks refinement in several areas, but his blend of size, mobility and core power are the foundation of a scheme-diverse NFL starter. He will require a patient coaching staff who can ease his transition to the pro level.

GRADE: 2nd Round (No. 40 overall)

OurLads.com:

8.89 Suamataia, Kingsley | BYU | Orem, UT | Proj Rd: 1-2

Height: 6045 | Weight: 326 | 40: 5.04 | Arm: 3414 | Hand: 1058 | Wingspan: 8218

Two-year starter. All-Big 12 in 2023. Former five-star recruit that was wanted by everyone coming out of high school. Backup at Oregon in 2021 prior to transferring to BYU in 2022. Started for one season at right tackle while eventual NFL draft pick Blake Freeland manned the blind side. Shifted over to left tackle in 2023. Has a rare blend of tools that NFL coaches want to work with and develop. His natural power, size, and athleticism do not come around often and he did not allow a sack in 22 of 23 career starts. The production on surface level is attractive, but the occasional lapse in concentration and overall sloppy feel to his bend and body control will create the need for some extra time on the bench. He will need to improve subtle techniques, but his ceiling is that of a quality starting right or left tackle. Top tier speed and power, a rare athlete for the position. Uses length and heavy hands to stifle his target right away and shows both the desire and ability to finish. Creates angles with his torso to make himself even wider and longer. A finisher’s mentality that has a lethal knockout blow. Creates tremendous push in the run game. Absorbs defenders and can deaden them in their tracks. Will get himself into trouble with lower body bend issues. Plays too upright and shows frequent sluggish movement when it comes to reaction speed and sudden change of direction. Hands are not always accurate and his ability to recover against speed can be a struggle. OSR:6/50.

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FOURTH ROUND, 103RD OVERALL

Players on the board: G Layden Robinson; TE Theo Johnson, WR Javon Baker, WR Tez Walker, TE Jared Wiley.

The debate: I'm glad I got an OT during that second wave, a guy with upside, now I'm worried about a run on TE - another position Belichick whiffed on last year - after Ja'Tavion Sanders went at 101. Johnson and Wiley are really the last two left with upside. But I'm definitely intrigued by pairing up Walker with Maye, and Baker is a talented kid. He has some character red flags but I'm ok with it in the fourth round. 

THE PICK: Theo Johnson, TE, Penn State

Bob McGinn: 

4. THEO JOHNSON, Penn State (6-6, 261, 4.62, 3-4): Helped himself at the combine with a solid 40, a 39 ½-inch vertical jump and a position-best short shuttle of 4.19. “I’d rather take a shot on him than Sanders,” one scout said. “He’s on the upside. He’s got assertiveness with his blocking but he’s not consistent with his blocking. He can make hard, adjusting catches but he can’t run after the catch. He doesn’t make people miss in space.” Started 29 of 45 games over four years, finishing with 77 receptions for 938 (12.2) and 12 TDs. “He’s a little bit intriguing,” said another scout. “He’s a big guy. He’s fast. He’ll give you effort as a blocker. He’s much improved in that area. He’s got ball skills. He’s a really clunky mover, a really unnatural route runner. He’s Canadian, so he’s raw. I thought he might go back to school. If somebody really wants one they might take him in the third but I don’t think he’s worth that.” From Windsor, Ontario.

Brugler:

3. THEO JOHNSON | Penn State 6061 | 259 lbs. | 4SR Windsor, Ontario (Holy Names) 2/26/2001 (age 23.16) #84

SUMMARY: A three-year starter at Penn State, Johnson was a versatile tight end in former offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich’s RPO-based scheme, splitting his time between inline (47.9 percent), slot (38.8 percent) and wide (9.8 percent). A wide receiver in high school in Canada, he faced a steep transition moving to tight end at State College and didn’t have a 100-yard receiving performance in 45 college games (and reached 75 yards just once). But his production steadily climbed each season, and he led the Nittany Lions in touchdown grabs in 2023. Johnson is quick off the ball and builds his speed downfield, giving his quarterback a big target with his size, strong hands and athletic catch radius. As a blocker, he doesn’t embarrass himself but needs to better understand leverage and develop more of a glass-chewing mentality. Overall, Johnson has inconsistent college tape and production, but he has A-plus measurements and smooth athletic tools that could allow him to continue developing and become a better pro than college player. Although he is a work in progress, he is a worthy long-term investment for an NFL team.

OurLads.com:

7.77 Johnson, Theo | Penn State | Windsor, Ontario, Canada | Proj Rd: 2-3 Height: 6061 | Weight: 259 | 40: 4.57 | Arm: 3300 | Hand: 1014 | Wingspan: 8034

Three-year starter. All-Big 10 last year. Has the prototype body merged with soft hands and quick feet to pose as a potential starting tight end in the league. Has shown flashes of being a matchup nightmare for both linebackers and defensive backs. The catch radius and sheer weight he can play should help with some of the short area movement issues he shows as a route runner and ball carrier to have at least a quality backup outlook. The athletic upside he possesses leaves the door open to a bigger role. Brings a rare blend of size and speed to the table that coaches will want a crack at developing. Needs to clean up some of the fine points of the position to reach his ceiling, but the floor with him is high to feel safe about him providing solid rotational play. Checks all the boxes when he walks off the bus. Tall and long with a good blend of athletic, functional thickness. Overwhelming size in one-on-one situations with the ball in the air. Successful in contested situations and has excellent ball skills. Soft hands paired with timely coordination and accuracy. Can maneuver in tight spaces like a power forward. Will break tackles and pick up some extra yards. Can line up all over and has experience doing so. Technique-savvy blocker with a lot of margin to pick up based on tools and flexibility. Does not pose as a vertical threat that can quickly get behind the linebackers. Has some slower, heavier build up to his speed. A long strider with some tightness in his hips. Should be a more effective blocker at his size. Does not get enough push and struggles to latch. 2023 Stats: 34-341, 10.0 ypr, 7 TD. OSR:2/13.

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SIXTH ROUND, 180TH OVERALL

Players on the board: CB Marcellas Dial, WR Johnny Wilson, CB DJ James, DB Ryan Watts.

The debate: So with the TE pick, I passed on adding another WR for the time being. There's still one with a lot of upside and rare measureables left on the board. Time for a future bet.

THE PICK: Johnny Wilson, WR, FSU.

He's far from perfect and stands a good chance of not making at WR (maybe TE)? But how often do you get a chance to pick a 6-6 WR with huge hands and 4.52 40-yard dash.

Brugler:

22. JOHNNY WILSON | Florida State 6063 | 231 lbs. | 4JR Pacoima, Calif. (Calabasas) 4/3/2001 (age 23.06) #14

SUMMARY: A two-year starter at Florida State, Wilson was primarily an outside receiver in head coach Mike Norvell’s up-tempo scheme. A former top recruit, he struggled with injuries at Arizona State before becoming a focal point of the Seminoles’ offense, although he took a backseat to Keon Coleman in 2023. Wilson eats up grass with his long strides and does his best work on one-cut/runway routes, but he isn’t a natural separator and lacks nuance as a route runner. Even though he will occasionally expand his catch radius and dunk over defenders, he fights the ball too much and makes routine grabs tougher than they should be (15 career drops). Overall, Wilson has imposing size and stride length for potential mismatch opportunities, but he doesn’t always play up to his frame and currently lacks consistent focus and route precision for what the NFL requires. He reminds me of a lesser version of Devin Funchess (considered a tight end by several teams).

GRADE: 4th-5th Round

OurLads:

6.49 Wilson, Johnny | Florida State | Calabasas, CA | Proj Rd: 4-5 Height: 6063 | Weight: 231 | 40: 4.52 | Arm: 3538 | Hand: 1000 | Wingspan: 8412

Two-year starter. All-ACC in 2022. Began his career at Arizona State where he was rarely used over two seasons. After receiving very little attention in the transfer portal, he settled in at Florida State and became an immediate weapon for their passing game, finishing as the team’s number one receiver in 2022. The downfield threat led the ACC and finished third in the country with 22 receptions of 20+ yards. The long-stride speed coming from a player with a rare combination of height, weight, and length will intrigue creative offensive minds. There are options he presents that most others simply cannot. He will make the “wow” plays and he has shown signs of development from a skill set perspective. The lack of consistency from his hands on simple throws is maddening and his short area movement skills will create issues in certain situations. Whether he stays at receiver or moves to a non-traditional tight end role (a growing trend) will dictate his place on boards. There is no debating his potential to be a dangerous weapon, however. Creates a range very few can. Size is up there with the biggest ever for the position, but also pairs real vertical speed with it. Has shown ability to reach the ball at apex of extension. Top speed is enough to stay over the top. Varies releases off the line. Can win initially against tight press coverage. Has gained a first down or touchdown on 89% of his catches. Not a sudden mover as he breaks routes. Separation does not come easy. Too many drops on simple balls. Does not use his hands to frame the ball, will allow it into his frame. 2023 Stats: 41-617, 15.1 ypr, 2 TD. OSR:18/33.

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SIXTH ROUND, 193RD OVERALL

Players on the board: QB Joe Milton, CB Ryan Watts, RB Dylan Laube, G Christian Mahogany, QB Devin Leary, QB Michael Pratt.

The debate: I want another QB to move on from Bailey Zappe, but I also like Laube and Mahogany at positions of need (Patriots did take a guard, so they know more than us). 

THE PICK: Christian Mahogany, OG, Boston College.

I was intrigued by him at the BC pro day, and if the Patriots think they needed to take Layden Robinson earlier, then there must be a reason. I think Mahogany is better and picked two rounds later.

Brugler:

7. CHRISTIAN MAHOGANY | Boston College 6033 | 314 lbs. | 5SR Elmwood Park, N.J. (Paramus) 10/11/2000 (age 23.54) #73

SUMMARY: A three-year starter at Boston College, Mahogany was a fixture at right guard in offensive coordinator Steve Shimko’s gap-scheme run game. After passing on the NFL after 2021 and missing the 2022 season with a torn ACL, he returned to form in 2023 and was one of the top blockers in the ACC. In the run game, Mahogany has strong hands to latch and control and creates immediate displacement with his ability to roll his hips and finish (Boston College almost always ran behind No.73 in short yardage). He needs to correct some bad habits in pass protection, but he stays balanced at contact with an immediate anchor to maintain the pocket integrity. Overall, Mahogany needs to play with more control, especially in space, to survive versus NFL defenders, but he plays like a bouncer outside of a club, looking to bash heads with power and forceful hands. He projects as a guard-versatile NFL starter, ideally suited for a downhill run team.

GRADE: 3rd-4th Round (No. 99 overall)

OurLads:

6.95 Mahogany, Christian | Boston College | Elmwood Park, NJ | Proj Rd: 3-4 
Height: 6033 | Weight: 314 | 40: 5.13 | Arm: 3312 | Hand: 1012 | Wingspan: 8158

Three-year starter. First-team All-ACC honors in 2023 after missing all of 2022 with an ACL injury. Mahogany is a densely built, top-heavy mauler who has a long highlight reel filled with sending defenders flying. His speed to power conversion is a credible weapon, as there is a violent pop that comes from his hands. When his full weight gets behind his pads, there are very few defenders who can maintain their position against him. Mahogany is inconsistent and it stems from a lack of pure balance and control. He plays too straight-legged and has a ton of all-or-nothing in his game. The baseline athletic ability, strength, and size are all there if he can simply improve his ability to get into the right position going into year two off his injury. Comfortable athlete who can explode from his stance with plus- power. Natural speed and twitch are there. Creates violence on the move. Has some nasty to him, an energy stick for the front. Ends up on the ground too often. Poor balance and adjustment speed. Too much hinging from the waist. Needs to flatten his back and improve overall flexibility. OSR:22/50.

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SIXTH ROUND, 211TH OVERALL (FROM CHIEFS IN TRADE UP)

Players on the board: QB Joe Milton, CB Ryan Watts, RB Dylan Laube, QB Devin Leary, QB Michael Pratt.

The debate: I want another QB to move on from too-short Bailey Zappe. I'm certainly intrigued by Milton and the physical skills. You can make the argument that if you're going to train up Maye, do it with Milton at the same time and maybe you hit on a lottery ticket to trade at some point (or if Maye fails). I don't love any of the cornerbacks. I'm very intrigued by Laube but I'm relying on Alonzo Highsmith to pick me a couple of winners among UDFAs. I like Leary, but he's too short (6-1). 

THE PICK: Michael Pratt, QB, Tulane

I like the whole package (6-3) from him, feels Matt Hasselbeck-ish, and gives me the chance to move on from Zappe now. If I pick Milton, who's the real backup? Nathan Rourke was released today? So it's going to be Zappe again? No, no, no. Doesn't work for me. Pratt has a chance to be the backup immediately and would be perfect in that role at the very least.

From McGinn:

8. MICHAEL PRATT, Tulane (6-2 ½, 217, no 40, 4-5): Four-year starter. “I like his size, his arm, his presence,” one scout said. “He’s been a pleasant surprise. He can end up being a starter in time. Like his ability to distribute from the pocket. From the down-the-line group he’ll be the one who will rise up. It’s because of how he sees the game and how efficient he is.” Finished with a passer rating of 101.8. Ran for 1,147 and 28 TDs. “I was really high on him after (2022),” said one scout. “He got hurt second game this year (knee) and did not play as well. Backup type. Physically gifted. Inconsistent decisions. I’d like to work with the guy. The negative this year was holding the ball. Nice athlete. Got a good arm.” Hands were 9 ¼. “The Raiders took Aidan O’Connell in the fourth last year,” a third scout said. “He’s not as good as Aidan O’Connell.” From Boca Raton, Fla.

From Brugler:

8. MICHAEL PRATT | Tulane 6024 | 217 lbs. | 4SR Boca Raton, Fla. (Deerfield Beach) 9/30/2001 (age 22.57) #7

SUMMARY: A four-year starter at Tulane, Pratt thrived in former offensive coordinator Slade Nagle’s scheme. After not playing football until high school, he showed steady improvements each season with the Green Wave, throwing a touchdown pass in 44 of his 45 games and breaking Patrick Ramsey’s school records for passing yards and passing touchdowns.Pratt is very clean in his setup and delivers a quick, accurate stroke, showing the ability to feather passes in between levels of the defense. Though he operates with rhythm from the pocket, he needs to continue developing his feel to spot the rush and hasten his process when needed. Overall,

Pratt might not have the high-level physical traits to carry an NFL offense, but you don’t see panic in his game , and he has natural sense for where to go with the football. He projects as a quality NFL backup with starting upside in the right role.

GRADE: 3rd-4th Round

OurLads.com:

7.49 Pratt, Michael | Tulane | Boca Raton, FL | Proj Rd: 3-4

Height: 6024 | Weight: 217 4| 0: 4.65 | Arm: 3034 | Hand: 0914 | Wingspan: 7700

Four-year starter. All-AAC three straight years including first-team honors in 2023 along with winning the conference Offensive Player of the Year Award. Pratt turned the Tulane program around during his time under center. They had not reached double-digit wins since 1998 and they went 2-10 during Pratt’s first full season as the starter. He ended his career with two straight double digit-win seasons and a Cotton Bowl win over USC. His consistent ascent as a quarterback puts proof to the amount of work he puts in off the field. He is a plus-athlete and hard-nosed competitor who has the ability to lead through example. Athletic, twitchy footwork with an explosive arm. Has shoulder flexibility allowing excellent upper body rotation. Classic throwing motion and mechanics that are consistent. Gets the ball out in a hurry and maintains accuracy to all levels when he is balanced. Works the middle of the field well. Comfortable playing from the pocket. Confident passer, that can fit balls in a tight window. Can change up his velocity and planes. Maintains composure against the blitz and shows a good feel for pressure. Has the right kind of internal clock blending urgency and patience. Dangerous as a runner. Will pick up chunk gains and can run through cheap contact. Strong and tough when rushers get their hands on him. Does not always feel the whole defense. Will get locked onto his target, inviting backside defenders to pounce on his passes. Can be an unnecessary risk taker that got away with some bad throws. Will rush his mechanics at times and there are questions about consistency in hip rotation and general feel for coverages. But the physical ability is there to be a true dual threat at the next level. 2023 Stats: 185/283, 2406 yds, 65.4%, 22 TD, 5 INT, 286 yds rushing, 5 TD, 158.9 QB rating.

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SEVENTH ROUND, 231ST OVERALL

THE PICK: Jaheim Bell, TE, Florida State.

At this point, I have no idea. And his FB/H-back versatility might be something that Alex Van Pelt's offense. I'm fine with it although one team had him off their board. Not sure why, could be medical (had ACL and meniscus in same left knee).

__________________________

So in the end, this is my draft class (a trade down and trade up):

1-3. Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina.
2-37. Ja'Lynn Polk, WR, Washington. (Trade DOWN with LAC giving up 34 and 137 and getting back 37 and 110).
2-63. Kingsley Suamataia, OT, BYU (Trade UP with 49ers)
4-103. Theo Johnson, TE, Penn State
6-180. Johnny Wilson, WR, FSU
6-193. Christian Mahogany, OG, Boston College
6-221. Michael Pratt, QB, Tulane
7-231. Jaheim Bell, TE, Florida State.

ALL OFFENSE, BABY!

Patriots' picks and trades (trade down):

1-3. Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina.
2-37. Ja'Lynn Polk, WR, Washington. (Trade DOWN with LAC giving up 34 and 137 and getting back 37 and 110).
3-68. Caeden Wallace, OT, Washington.
4-103. Layden Robinson, G, Texas A&M.
4-110. Javon Baker, WR, UCF.
6-180. Marcellas Dial, CB, South Carolina.
6-193. Joe Milton, QB, Tennessee.
7-231. Jaheim Bell, TE, Florida State.

Which one ya got?!