2017 NFL Draft: New England Patriots final grade
By John Buhler
Fourth Round
Deatrich Wise Jr.
Defensive End, Arkansas Razorbacks
New England found another Hog that they really liked in defensive end Deatrich Wise Jr. The Patriots had recently drafted Trey Flowers out of the University of Arkansas. Double-dipping with the Arkansas Razorbacks. Can I get a Sooie!
Wise was one of the better players in the East-West Shrine Game. Like his offensive teammate Jeremy Sprinkle, now with the Washington Redskins, Wise is able to turn it on when he feels like it. The talent is there, but the motor is questionable. When it hums, it hums and he’s a good Hog.
Sixth Round
Conor McDermott
Offensive Tackle, UCLA Bruins
Clearly the Patriots see something in overrated UCLA Bruins offensive lineman Conor McDermott that nobody sees. He was terrible in the 2017 Senior Bowl. Off all the offensive linemen in Mobile, McDermott lost more often than any seniors in the one-on-one.
UCLA is often criticized for being a soft football program. How is McDermott going to survive the “Do Your Job!” teaching of Belichick when he struggled to do his job in Westwood? This pick is proof that the Patriots aren’t all-knowing, just smart.
Next: 2017 NFL Draft instant grades
Overall, the first three of the Patriots’ four 2017 NFL Draft picks were great. McDermott may not make the team out of camp, unless the Patriots brass has tabbed him as a long-term project. The Patriots knew exactly what they were doing in the 2017 offseason. This foursome was clearly selected for a reason by New England. It’s hard to question the Patriots Way since New England wins so much.