Dane Brugler, The Athletic: Ranked Patriots First of 32 NFL Clubs
Brugler offered a unique approach to grading this year’s draft. Instead of giving each team a grade ranging from A+ to F, he decided to rank the 32 clubs from his favorite to least favorite, in which the Patriots came out on top.
“I don’t use any special formula or analytical metric to come up with my rankings, I simply go with the vibes of which draft class got me the most excited.”
Favorite pick: Kyle Williams, WR, Washington State
“The Patriots drafted four offensive players in the top 100, all of whom project as early starters. I could make a case for any of the four as my favorite of the haul, but I’ll go with Williams because of the impact he’ll bring to the passing game. Josh Downs was Drake Maye’s go-to target during Maye’s best college season, and Williams can become that type of weapon (and help correct New England’s Ladd McConkey miss).”
Day 3 pick who could surprise: Bradyn Swinson, Edge, LSU
“Craig Woodson can be a starter down the line, and Joshua Farmer should become part of the defensive line rotation. But Swinson, as a subpackage rusher, might have the quickest impact. New England ranked dead last in sacks last season, so Swinson should get opportunities to use his speed and flexibility to win off the edge.”