Grading Every Pick Of New England Patriots' 2016 NFL Draft

The New England Patriots are a team that notoriously has been able to draft and develop undervalued players over the better part of the decade. With head coach Bill Belichick at the helm, the team has crafted a dynasty that has spanned about 15 years now.

However, their drafting as of late has not been very good and the team may want to rethink their approach for next season. With that in mind, here is a look at how they did in the 2016 NFL Draft.

Round 2, Pick 29: CB Cyrus Jones

Round 2, Pick 29: CB Cyrus Jones Getty Images
While the Pats needed some help at corner, Jones was not the type of player they needed. Although he had a decent career at Alabama, Jones will be limited to nickel work due to his size. The team picked him a couple rounds too early.

Grade: C

While the Pats needed some help at corner, Jones was not the type of player they needed. Although he had a decent career at Alabama, Jones will be limited to nickel work due to his size. The team picked him a couple rounds too early.

Grade: C

Round 3, Pick 15: OL Joe Thuney

Round 3, Pick 15: OL Joe Thuney Brian Spurlock - USA TODAY Sports
This was one of my favorite picks for the Patriots. Thuney will come in and be a versatile super sub for the team’s undermanned offensive line, and he should develop into a strong backup at least at the interior positions.

Grade: B+

This was one of my favorite picks for the Patriots. Thuney will come in and be a versatile super sub for the team’s undermanned offensive line, and he should develop into a strong backup at least at the interior positions.

Grade: B+

Round 3, Pick 28: QB Jacoby Brissett

Round 3, Pick 28: QB Jacoby Brissett Getty Images
This seems like a wasted pick. The team needs a third QB in wake of Tom Brady’s suspension, but why not take a guy loaded with potential like Cardale Jones? Brissett has some talent but may not be on the team two years from now.

Grade: C-

This seems like a wasted pick. The team needs a third QB in wake of Tom Brady’s suspension, but why not take a guy loaded with potential like Cardale Jones? Brissett has some talent but may not be on the team two years from now.

Grade: C-

Round 3, Pick 33: DT Vincent Valentine

Round 3, Pick 33: DT Vincent Valentine Getty Images
The Patriots have traditionally reached on prospects in the middle rounds, and this one was no different. Valentine did not produce much last season at Nebraska, has limited upside and had a below-average Combine.

Grade: D-

The Patriots have traditionally reached on prospects in the middle rounds, and this one was no different. Valentine did not produce much last season at Nebraska, has limited upside and had a below-average Combine.

Grade: D-

Round 4, Pick 14: WR Malcolm Mitchell

Round 4, Pick 14: WR Malcolm Mitchell Getty Images
The Patriots need some help at the receiver position, and Mitchell was a solid option at this point in the draft. He will come in and compete for the fourth receiver job and has a chance to make an impact thanks to his speed.

Grade: A-

The Patriots need some help at the receiver position, and Mitchell was a solid option at this point in the draft. He will come in and compete for the fourth receiver job and has a chance to make an impact thanks to his speed.

Grade: A-

Round 6, Pick 33: DB Kamu Grugier-Hill

Round 6, Pick 33: DB Kamu Grugier-Hill Brad Rempel - USA TODAY Sports
Grugier-Hill was a hybrid safety/linebacker at Eastern Illinois, but the team is deep at both positions, so it may be difficult for Grugier-Hill to make the roster. Still, he has good measurables, so this was not a bad pick.

Grade: C+

Grugier-Hill was a hybrid safety/linebacker at Eastern Illinois, but the team is deep at both positions, so it may be difficult for Grugier-Hill to make the roster. Still, he has good measurables, so this was not a bad pick.

Grade: C+

Round 6, Pick 39: LB Elandon Roberts

Round 6, Pick 39: LB Elandon Roberts Getty Images
Roberts was highly productive at Houston and he definitely stands a chance at making the roster. If he beats out a veteran, he could play on special teams and be a difference-maker. He was worth the pick in the sixth round.

Grade: B

Roberts was highly productive at Houston and he definitely stands a chance at making the roster. If he beats out a veteran, he could play on special teams and be a difference-maker. He was worth the pick in the sixth round.

Grade: B

Round 6: Pick 43: OG Ted Karras

Round 6: Pick 43: OG Ted Karras Matthew O'Haren - USA TODAY Sports
Karras comes from a legendary NFL family and he will have a chance to make the Patriots as a backup. He may not be versatile enough to win a job, though, and he may end up on a practice squad to start his career.

Grade: C

Karras comes from a legendary NFL family and he will have a chance to make the Patriots as a backup. He may not be versatile enough to win a job, though, and he may end up on a practice squad to start his career.

Grade: C

Round 7, Pick 4: WR Devin Lucien

Round 7, Pick 4: WR Devin Lucien Getty Images
Lucien has some upside, but I cannot see him making the team’s final roster. He’s a good route runner, but that is about it. He faces an uphill battle to play in a game as a Patriot.

Grade: C

Lucien has some upside, but I cannot see him making the team’s final roster. He’s a good route runner, but that is about it. He faces an uphill battle to play in a game as a Patriot.

Grade: C

Share On FacebookShare StumbleUpon