New England Patriots 2016 NFL Draft Review: Top Pick, Best Value, Worst Value Picks

The Patriots 2016 Draft is over, with the team selecting 9 players overall. The Patriots once again went for solid, but not flashy approach to the draft. I don't hand out grades because I find the entire thing to be just click bait. Instead, I'll give a recap of the Patriots' top, best, and worst pick frof the draft.

Top Draft Pick: Cyrus Jones, CB, Alabama

The Patriots started their draft class with a cornerback prospect that can play all four downs as a rookie. Jones should immediately challenge Justin Coleman for the nickel corner job in camp and serve as the team's primary punt returner. Jones is a self-admitted film room junkie and studied film with Bill Belichick the night before the Alabama Pro Day. Jones is a former WR with elite foot quickness that allows him to mirror receivers in the passing game and is physical in the run game. Part of the reason why Jones was available at 60 is because of his lack of height at just a shade below 5'10". He should develop into a solid defensive back for the Patriots.

Best Value Pick: Joe Thuney, OL, NC State

I didn't have Thuney on my draft board because I was primarily focusing on tackle prospects, but the Patriots landed what should be a very good offensive lineman. Where he plays is anyone's guess, he could literally start at any of the five positions. Thuney was one of the most athletic linemen in this year's draft and is a tough and intellugent player to Dante Scarnecchia's liking. Thuney finished #1 on Pro Football Focus' Pass Blocking Efficiency stat against Power 5 schools, so there is some belief he could work as a tackle. Long term, I think he winds up sticking at either guard or center and has a great career like it was the case for Logan Mankins 11 years ago.

Worst Value Pick: Jacoby Brissett, QB, NC State

This pick is more confusing that they took an option QB from a spread offense than the fact they took a QB at all. The Patriots will likely carry 3 QBs for 2016, with Brissett being inactive for most of the year. It's pretty clear that Jimmy Garoppolo is not the QB of the future, so they have to come up with a succession plan for that spot. The Patriots wound up passing on Pro Style QBs like Brandon Allen and Jake Rudock. I get the feeling that the Patriots will draft another QB high in the draft at least one more time before Tom Brady's Patriots career ends.