Eight WRs were off the board before the Pats' pick - they tried to trade up and got stiffed, as the Bills handed the Chiefs Worthy. They traded down and would up with both (after 2 more WRs were gone) Polk and Baker. Again, whoever they picked even at 34 would have been the 9th WR off the board.
Or the 8th OT - seven were gone in the first round.
So, unless you want to argue that they should have traded out of 3, you're arguing that the 8th WR or 7th OT should be making a huge difference here.
The Pats had the great misfortune this year of having NEEDS at the three most coveted positions in football.
If Maye if the guy, then let's go.
They've got money and will have a high pick next year. Learn what works and what doesn't. If health can finally solidify on the OL, I'd like to see Lowe-Sow-Strange-Onwenu-Wallace.
And at WR, as I said, Douglas, Boutte, Polk, Baker.
If they have a top 3 pick next year, maybe they can fill two holes with blue chip talent. They have money. There will be no excuse for not spending like drunken sailors in FA next year. If they don't, I throw up my hands in surrender. They will be the Red Sox.