ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. Reveals His Grade For Patriots’ 2020 Draft Class

Some analysts didn’t like the idea of getting Division II safety Kyle Dugger with the No. 37 overall pick in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Others praised his skills and the ability to support the defense and special teams. Not everyone shares the same opinion on the draft picks NFL teams made over the weekend. The New England Patriots entered the draft with a lot of voids. They had 10 picks but didn’t really cover them all. ESPN expert Mel Kiper Jr. shared his grades for the Patriots’ 2020 draft class. The Patriots got a C+. 

“Dugger dominated at the Division II level, then ran a 4.49 40-yard dash at the combine. He could be a versatile player for the New England defense. Uche and Jennings have some edge-rushing upside. I was lower on the tight ends — I wrote about it after Day 2 — but it is a clear need area with the offense struggling sans Gronk in 2019. I just had better ones available in my rankings. My biggest issue with this class is no quarterback; the Patriots passed on Jalen Hurts, Jacob Eason, and Jake Fromm throughout. I’m not sold that 2019 fourth-rounder Jarrett Stidham should be the unquestioned starter.”

Is Mel Kiper Jr. right about the Patriots’ draft class?

What about the wide receiver position? The 2020 class had a lot of talented receivers. Some of them were available to Bill Belichick and Nick Caserio in the first and second rounds. Coach B decided to pass on the option and didn’t even waste a pick on the receiver position.

New England targeted their quarterback and wide receiver position after the draft. They signed Michigan State quarterback Brian Lewerke, Louisiana Tech quarterback J’Mar Smith, Mississippi State wide receiver Isaiah Zuber, Auburn wide receiver Will Hastings, Syracuse wide receiver Sean Riley and Miami wide receiver Jeff Thomas to undrafted free-agents deals.

Hastings and Thomas were great in college. They have a really good chance to make the active roster. Lewerke was great with the Spartans. He may be a threat in training camp. He showed great numbers at the NFL Scouting Combine in February.

We can’t really evaluate the Patriots’ draft picks, because we don’t know what stands behind Belichick’s moves. He has a plan and from what we can see, he is still making moves.