Our 91st-ranked player, Strange screams Patriots … but also screams poor value. Of course, many people said the same thing when the Patriots took Logan Mankins in this same range many years ago. Strange is a highly intelligent, highly competitive interior blocker who might be the starting left guard from Day 1. But it’s a big jump in competition, and he was up and down at the Senior Bowl.
New England Patriots
Tyquan
Thornton
2
Rnd
18
Pk
WR
Position
Draft Grade: C-
Pre-Draft Rank: 179
School: Baylor
Height:6' 2"
Weight: 181
Eric Edholm's Commentary
The Patriots moved up four spots to take the draft's fastest receiver. This almost feels like the Bethel Johnson pick years ago. Have they had someone this fast (4.28-second 40-yard dash) in recent memory? Thornton is thin, lacks playing speed and consistency. But if he can give Mac Jones a true vertical threat, it will pan out.
New England Patriots
Marcus
Jones
3
Rnd
22
Pk
CB
Position
Draft Grade: B
Pre-Draft Rank: 93
School: Houston
Height:5' 8"
Weight: 185
Eric Edholm's Commentary
After two head scratchers, the Patriots took a very Patriots-ish pick in Jones, who profiles as a nickel corner and serious return threat. He had a stunning nine return touchdowns (six kickoffs, three punts) in his college career and even had a walk-off score against SMU last season. Jones' tiny frame, however, does not make him a Stephon Gilmore replacement outside.