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- Sports Illustrated New England Patriots News, Analysis and More
Bargain Hunters: Patriots Own NFL's Top Contracts?
The New England Patriots have been smart with player contracts over the past several years. In fact, Bill Belichick has earned himself quite the reputation of being able to find a lot of great value whether it is late in the draft, or signing veteran players to incentive-laden type deals. Given the amount of success Belichick has had during his long tenure in New England, it's hard to really question his philosophy.
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New England Draft Picks
Cole
Strange
1
Rnd
29
Pk
OG
Position
- Draft Grade: C-
- School: Chattanooga
- Height: 6' 6"
- Weight: 301
Eric Edholm's Commentary
Our 91st-ranked player, Strange screams Patriots … but also screams poor value. Of course, many people said the same thing when the Patriots took Logan Mankins in this same range many years ago. Strange is a highly intelligent, highly competitive interior blocker who might be the starting left guard from Day 1. But it’s a big jump in competition, and he was up and down at the Senior Bowl.
Tyquan
Thornton
2
Rnd
18
Pk
WR
Position
- Draft Grade: C-
- Pre-Draft Rank: 179
- School: Baylor
- Height: 6' 2"
- Weight: 181
Eric Edholm's Commentary
The Patriots moved up four spots to take the draft's fastest receiver. This almost feels like the Bethel Johnson pick years ago. Have they had someone this fast (4.28-second 40-yard dash) in recent memory? Thornton is thin, lacks playing speed and consistency. But if he can give Mac Jones a true vertical threat, it will pan out.
Marcus
Jones
3
Rnd
22
Pk
CB
Position
- Draft Grade: B
- Pre-Draft Rank: 93
- School: Houston
- Height: 5' 8"
- Weight: 185
Eric Edholm's Commentary
After two head scratchers, the Patriots took a very Patriots-ish pick in Jones, who profiles as a nickel corner and serious return threat. He had a stunning nine return touchdowns (six kickoffs, three punts) in his college career and even had a walk-off score against SMU last season. Jones' tiny frame, however, does not make him a Stephon Gilmore replacement outside.
Jack
Jones
4
Rnd
16
Pk
CB
Position
- Pre-Draft Rank: 233
- School: Arizona St.
Pierre
Strong Jr.
4
Rnd
22
Pk
RB
Position
- Pre-Draft Rank: 139
- School: N. Dak. St.
- Height: 5' 11"
- Weight: 205
Bailey
Zappe
4
Rnd
32
Pk
QB
Position
- Pre-Draft Rank: 150
- School: W. Kentucky
Kevin
Harris
6
Rnd
4
Pk
RB
Position
- School: South Carolina
- Height: 5' 10"
- Weight: 220
Sam
Roberts
6
Rnd
21
Pk
DT
Position
- School: Northwest Missouri St.
- Height: 6' 4"
- Weight: 287
Chasen
Hines
6
Rnd
31
Pk
C
Position
- School: LSU
- Height: 6' 3"
- Weight: 350
Andrew
Stueber
7
Rnd
24
Pk
OT
Position
- School: Michigan
- Height: 6' 7"
- Weight: 325
AFC East Standings
| W | L | T | Pct | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | 6 | 0 | .647 | |
| 10 | 7 | 0 | .588 | |
| 9 | 8 | 0 | .529 | |
| 4 | 13 | 0 | .235 |
- x
- - Clinched Playoff Spot
- y
- - Clinched Division
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