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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
Getty ImagesGrade: 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
Brian Spurlock - USA TODAY SportsGrade: 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
Getty ImagesGrade: 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
Getty ImagesGrade: 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
Getty ImagesGrade: 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
Brad Rempel - USA TODAY SportsGrade: 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
Getty ImagesGrade: 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
Matthew O'Haren - USA TODAY SportsGrade: 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
Getty ImagesGrade: 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
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