Draft Reaction · New England Patriots

The New England Patriots just picked their future. Here's the verdict.

Boston, you gotta see what the New England Patriots just pulled off

Alright, so the New England Patriots just finished up their draft, and listen, I’m over here at the Cask 'n Flagon, and the mood? It's a wicked mix, lemme tell ya. When they took that big boy, Drake Maye, out of North Carolina at quarterback, it felt like everyone collectively held their breath from Dorchester to the North End. We all know what it means to get a quarterback in this town, especially after what we've been through. It ain't just a pick; it's a statement. Then they went and got wide receiver Ja'Lynn Polk from Washington in the second round, and safety Javon Bullard from Georgia in the third, and that started to settle folks down a little. You could hear the sighs of relief even with all the noise on Lansdowne Street.

This class, it feels like they’re finally lookin' ahead, ya know? Maye is the future, no doubt, a real project, but he’s got the arm talent to make those throws out to the harbor. Polk, he's a bigger body, an outside guy who can go up and get it, which is exactly what the New England Patriots have been missin'. We've been screamin' for weapons, and they finally listened. And Bullard? He’s a tough kid, a real Patriot type, gonna fly around and hit people. They also grabbed guard Layden Robinson from Texas A&M and wide receiver Javon Baker from Central Florida, which shows they're serious about protecting Maye and giving him more targets. They also signed some undrafted guys like defensive end Xavier Holmes, defensive back Peter Manuma, linebacker Quintayvious Hutchins, and tight end Eli Raridon, who'll all get a shot. It addresses a lot of holes, especially on offense, and that’s what we've needed.

So what's the mood in Boston? I'd say it's…hopeful. It’s not euphoria, not yet, we’ve been burned too many times since Brady left. But it’s not confusion or fury either. It’s a quiet determination, like when you’re waitin’ for the Green Line in the rain. We know it’s a long road, but this feels like a real step in the right direction for the New England Patriots. I’m giving this draft class one word: necessary.

From Gillette to the Harbor — do your job, New England.

My buddy Sully and the crew break this all down every mornin' — catch it live at mornings.live.

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