New England Patriots: Re-grading every draft pick of the last 5 years

Grading Patriots 2021 first-round pick: QB Mac Jones – B

Say what you will about Mac Jones, but it’s hard to say he was a terrible pick when he was taken. With the Jets in a precarious position with Zach Wilson, the 49ers in a dreadful position with Trey Lance (and minus two other first-round picks), and the Chicago Bears trying to figure out if they will keep Justin Fields, Jones is the one who seemingly has a solid fit on his position. He was second in Rookie of the Year voting, and while he had a disastrous second year, there’s a spot where he can blame Matt Patricia for the issues. Let’s see what happens next season.

Grading Patriots 2021 second-round pick: DT Christian Barmore – A

Christian Barmore has been a stud up the middle. He missed some time last season, but he still looks like a stalwart in the middle of the defensive line. His knee injury really took the defense down a notch. Next season, expect Barmore to get back to his positive play. The Patriots will continue to have a great defense from top to bottom. Barmore is going to be a major component of that.

Grading Patriots 2021 third-round pick: DE Ronnie Perkins – C-

Ronnie Perkins was given the gift of injured reserve this season. He looked like he was on his way to being one and done as he fought the roster bubble in last year’s training camp. Perkins looks to show he learned something during his time on injured reserve, but he’s literally fighting for his job right now.

Grading Patriots 2021 fourth-round pick: RB Rhamodre Stevenson – B+

Rhamodre Stevenson had some great runs this season, and looks like he could be a stud. He does make too many mistakes. He fumbled right near the goalline, spurning a comeback attempt that could have beaten the Cincinnati Bengals. They would have made the playoffs if the Patriots had won that game. That stinks, but we’ll take the 49 first downs last season and the seven runs over 20 yards if it comes with two fumbles.

Grading Patriots 2021 fifth-round pick: LB Cameron McGrone – D

The Patriots lost Cameron McGrone to injury in his first year, and then he was on the practice squad in his second. He was signed off the practice squad by the Indianapolis Colts, keeping him away from the field. McGrone seemed like a smart enough flier. He was floor-to-ceiling talent, but injuries and issues beyond just pure talent led to his career going elsewhere.

Grading Patriots 2021 sixth-round pick: S Joshuah Bledsoe – C-

Joshuah Bledsoe hasn’t played because he’s been injured the past two seasons. How does that get graded? He is still on the roster, unlike some other injured players, but Bledsoe hasn’t shown a thing and will be on cut watch throughout this offseason.

Grading Patriots 2021 sixth-round pick: OL William Sherman – F

William Sherman was waived in his first training camp with the New England Patriots. They eventually put him on the practice squad, seeing if he could grow. The next offseason, he was waived again, and this time the Patriots didn’t offer him a spot on their practice squad. He signed with the Broncos practice squad, and that’s where his season finished.

Grading Patriots 2021 seventh-round pick: WR Tre Nixon – C

Tre Nixon’s grade is actually “incomplete” because he’s spent two years on the practice squad, and now he’s signed to a futures contract. Nixon had a decent college career with UCF, but the Patriots receiving corps was bloated for the past two years. That should change dramatically, with Jakobi Meyers a free agent, Nelson Algholor likely moving on, and more openings coming at the receiver position. Let’s see if Nixon can make an impact.