The New England Patriots moved back into the fourth round of the NFL Draft in a trade with the Seattle Seahawks, spending two picks to do so. Who did they target? Florida State defensive tackle Joshua Farmer.
Let’s grade the pick and the trade.
Instant grade: Patriots draft Joshua Farmer 137th overall
Bernd: The Patriots did plenty of work on Farmer before the draft, including bringing him in for a visit. And while he was originally considered a dark-horse candidate to get drafted late on Day2, they were able to get him at the end of the fourth round without giving up too many assets to climb the board. He also adds another disruptive player to their interior defensive line — one with extensive experience versus the run. Trading | Grade: A
Brian: New England moves up and lands good value in Farmer, who gives Mike Vrabel and Terrell Williams a violent and twitchy developmental pass rusher up front with tremendous length. Farmer should be able to work into the rotation in year one. | Grade: A
Matt: Joshua Farmer is a steal at this point in the draft. He is an athletic interior pass-rusher who can immediately make an impact in year one as a rotational player with upside as a starter by year three. For a team that ranked last in sacks last season and with questions around Christian Barmore’s health, this is a fantastic pick. Plus, props to Vrabel and company for picking up value by trading back and then using those picks to move up in a smart way for a player you like and brought in for a visit. | Grade: A+
Pat: The defensive run continues! The Patriots are in need of pass rush, and most thought it would come from the edge position, but I love what Farmer brings from the inside, and the depth that he provides them in there as well. Great pick for the Patriots, who identified what they wanted and moved up to get him. | Grade: A
The Patriots’ next draft pick is set to come at No. 146 in the fifth round. Their biggest remaining needs include edge, off-ball linebacker and kicker.
What do you think about this draft pick, though? Do you like it? Do you not? Please head to the comment section to discuss.