I think it's becoming established here on this forum that OT, EDGE and X-WR are our three biggest needs. Yes, there's other possibilities - just going BPA for example or hitting a TE, RB, DB or LB as another - but I think OT, EDGE and X-WR are where we're at by and large. The Pats missed out on Alec Pierce and only swapped K'Lavon Chaisson for Dre'Mont Jones, apparently not making a serious run at any of the top pass rushers. While a trade could still be an option, the draft is still the most likely place to build foundational young talent.
However there are difficulties. Most of the best prospects, even at the second level, are likely gone by pick 63, much less 95. Looking at the 3 different positions:
1. OT. "Protect the Drake" is my personal top priority. Will Campbell is coming off a knee injury, and Morgan Moses could retire at any time, and will almost certainly last past 2026. There are 7 players - Monroe Freeling, Francis Mauigoa, Max Iheanachor, Caleb Lomu, Blake Miller, Spencer Fano, and Kadyn Proctor - who will go in the top 40, all could be off the board by 31. After that there is nothing. I have Dametrious Crownover as a 3rd round prospect, then Travis Burke, currently 345 on PFFs big board. I am not a fan of Caleb Tiernan, Gennings Dunker, Jude Bowry, or Austin Barber. Keagan Trost and JC Davis have some swing tackle potential, though I think both are better suited at RG.
2. EDGE. Everyone wants to be able to pressure the opposing QB. Harold Landry is coming off a knee injury. After that it's Jones, Elijah Ponder, and Bradyn Swinson. Clearly not enough. The EDGE class is very deep, with as many as 16 top-100 prospects, plus a lot of day 3 developmental talent. Arvell Reese, David Bailey and Rueben Bain will all be long gone. The chances of Keldric Faulk or Akheem Mesidor lasting to 31 are remote. Unless that happens, I think EDGE at 31 is a reach. TJ Parker, Zion Young, Dani Dennis-Sutton, Malachi Lawrence, Gabe Jacas, and Derrick Moore are all good options in the second round, but all could be gone by 63. Keyron Crawford and Jonathan Joseph are good 3rd round options. I am not personally a fan of the sub rusher types - Cashius Howell, R Mason Thomas, and Romello Height.
3. X WR. Stretching the field is priority #2 on offense. Missing out on Alec Pierce hurt. I do not see an X WR worth taking at 31 unless Jordyn Tyson goes into free fall. Chris Bell, Ted Hurst and Denzel Boston are all worthy 2nd round picks, but may not last until 63. The other day 3 possibilities - Chris Brazzell, Ja'Kobi Lane, Malachi Fields and Bryce Lance - all scare me. After that it is a bunch of day 3 developmental guys with upside.
So what would you do?
My preference:
31. I probably take any of the top OL if available. If Faulk, Mesidor or Tyson Jordan are available then they should also get serious consideration. Otherwise, either take BPA at another position uf a top talent slips (Caleb Banks, Jermod McCoy, Dillon Thieneman, Kenyon Sadiq) or trade back from 31 and target one of the EDGE or X WR prospects.
63. If we went OT at 31, hope one of the 2nd tier EDGEs or the 3 X WRs slips. Possibly trade up if a specific guy is highly coveted. Don't over-reach, especially if a really good player at another position slips (Banks, Lee Hunter, Treydan Stukes, Jake Golday, Jacob Rodriguez, Eli Stowers, Mike Washington). If OT was not taken at 31, I see no one worth taking here, unless someone slips and we trade up. Trading back may also be an option, as 70-75 looks like a possible "sweet spot".
95. If OT was not taken, Dametrious Crownover is the only tackle I would even consider. Anyone previously mentioned who slips. I don't like the other X WRs, would wait till day 3. Kyle Louis, Devin Moore, Sam Roush, Max Klare are all possible BPAs. Trading up may be needed.
Because these three needs are where most of this discussion is, I just wanted to lay out, as starkly as possible where things currently stand and what the options currently are. It may well end up that these needs are not well aligned with the values available when we pick.
So what are your favourite options?
