The NFL Draft 2020 was definitely a bit painful and in most cases drew a lot of uncertainty if you are a Patriots fan, but if you are also a true Patriots fan, you know that in Bill, We Trust!
There is no question though that this season will definitely be one to watch. Show full support as our team is going to need it, one thing I can say though about this draft and the selections made by Bill and company, showed that the Patriots this year are focused on winning games with their defense and likely planning a very methodical offense. Let’s go over the picks selected, as I will be grading each of those picks in my personal opinion.
2nd Round #37 Pick: S, Kyle Dugger, Lenoir- Rhyne University
Grade: A+
Personally, this guy was a total steal thanks to good ol’ Bill Belichick. He is not only a freakish athlete but his story is quite the amazing one and I am excited to see Kyle on the team. Bill definitely pulled what I would say the heist of the draft, this kid can be a freakishly fast punt returner, a wonderful defensive back, honestly a multi-purpose player with lots of strength and speed. Exciting pick by Bill.
2nd Round, #60 Pick: Edge- Josh Uche, Michigan
Grade: A
Josh Uche finally is reunited with Chase Winovich and I am excited to see this pair back to work. Uche is one I would consider as a sleeper pick this year. Guy can make his presence be felt as he has many abilities one of them being a great outside blitzer and a strong defender. Named defensive player of the year in 2019 for the Wolverines, Uche certainly brings a lot to offer for the Patriots and I can see him becoming essential next to Chase Winovich. Welcome to New England, Josh!
3rd Round, #87 Pick: Edge- Anfernee Jennings, Alabama
Grade: B-
ROLL TIDE!!! With the 87 picks, the New England Patriots pick Anfernee Jennings. Alright, Jennings…. Hmmm… Honestly, I think we could be in for a surprise with this pick. An Alabama Linebacker is a pretty safe pick and under a Belichick system, this kid could easily flourish. Jennings brings speed, registered 83 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss and 8.0 sacks in his final season in crimson. He ranked fourth in the SEC in sacks and tied for third in tackles for loss. A Nick Saban guy, I truly believe he can be a jewel in our team and can bring a lot of productivity. My only concern is, he just overcame a knee injury and with the teams we are expected to play this season, I sure hope an injury doesn’t slow him down in his rookie season.
3rd Round, #91 Pick: Tight-End, Devin Asiasi, UCLA
Grade: B
I am so excited for Devin Asiasi as a patriot! Devin spent one year in Michigan and in that one year he managed to be one of the team’s most popular guy and extremely well-liked by Jim Harbaugh who I consider to be one of the toughest coaches to work for. At UCLA, he brought his talent to the light and although he had 44 receptions for 641 yards, he makes blocking an important task which will allow for routes to be improved and for Stidham or Hoyer to find targets quickly in offense.
3rd Round, #101 Pick: Tight-End, Dalton Keene, Virginia Tech
Grade: C+
Did you know Dalton Keene’s nickname in school was Rambo? Keene’s teammates and coaches at Virginia Tech nicknamed him Rambo because of his resemblance to the movie character portrayed by Sylvester Stallone. The nickname came naturally as Keene has a similar muscular frame to Stallone’s character and rocks the same haircut, too! Keene didn’t only play tight-end for the Hokies but he was also a bit of a blocker. Few worries with him is his decision making skills, as well as how he will fit in a McDaniels system but I am optimistic for him as a patriot.
5th round, #159 pick: PK, Justin Rohrwasser, Marshall
Grade: D-
I will say I am a bit surprised in this pick with Justin Rohrwasser. I really thought Belichick would’ve gone after the likes of a Tyler Grass for example. While I am really happy that Belichick addressed the needs for a kicker, I just hope that Rohrwasser brings the talent needed in this position and knows what it takes to fulfill the shoes for it too. Last season at Marshall, Rohrwasser kicked with 85% accuracy on field goals (18-fo-21). He was 4-of-5 from 20-29 yards, 7-of-8 from 30-39 yards, 5-of-6 from 40-49 yards, and 2-of-2 from 50+ yards which allows for great optimism in this area, lets just hope it does flourish thru.
5th round, #182 pick: G, Michael Owenu, Michigan
Grade: A
Fantastic pick here by the Patriots!!! A guard was a need. If the Patriots are to come out with a winning season, it will definitely be thanks to the defense. What better ammunition to be added than Michael Onwenu? Onwenu brings a lot to the table for the Patriots. As a three-year starter, he played predominantly at right guard in college. He also has varying levels of experience on special teams, at left guard, as a defensive lineman, and snapping in practice. Quite frankly, Belichick has an ace under his sleeve with this selection and I look forward to seeing Owenu show his talent next season.
6th Round, #195 Pick: OT, Justin Herron, Wake Forest
Grade: B-
Not a bad pick at all! Quite frankly, I will say I was hoping at this point that Belichick would go for a QB position pick but this was quite a surprise and one that I am not opposed to. Herron didn’t consider football as his career until high school came around. Although his dad and uncle carved their legacy as basketball players, Herron has now started carving his as a football player. Now, he has quite a good path set for him after being a Patriots draft pick.
He set Wake Forest’s all-time record with 51 games played, even after tearing his ACL in Week 1 of the 2018 season. Herron, 24, came back for another year as a graduate student, and he was named a captain while earning third-team All-ACC honors. I look forward to seeing him on the team and learning from the veterans to improve his game. Great choice, Bill!
6th Round, #204 Pick: Linebacker, Cassh Maluia, Wyoming
Grade: C
Belichick decided to make this pick a necessity by adding Maluia. New England definitely placed a priority on the linebacker position in the 2020 draft. After losing Kyle Van Noy, Jamie Collins, and Elandon Roberts in free agency, the Patriots went to work. They spent a second round pick (Uche), third round pick (Jennings) and sixth round pick at the LB position. Maluia recorded 61 tackles, seven for loss, and two interceptions in his 13 starts for Wyoming. He was an honorable mention to the All-Mountain West Conference in 2019.
7th Round, #230 Pick: C, Dustin Wood
Belichick decided to make this pick a necessity with adding another linebacker. New England definitely placed a priority on the linebacker position in the 2020 NFL Draft. After losing Kyle Van Noy, Jamie Collins and Elandon Roberts in free agency, the Patriots went out and spent a second round pick (James Uche), third round pick (Anfernee Jennings) and a sixth round pick on the linebacker position. Maluia recorded 61 tackles, seven tackles for loss, and two interceptions in his 13 starts for ard, Memphis
Grade: D
With their last pick on the 7th round, New England has drafted Dustin Woodard. Honestly, I don’t know how I feel about Woodard as our last pick. Yes, I totally understand that our need this year was to try and improve the team. New England had that done by the fifth round. But to add another offensive line need in Dustin Woodard, I am not entirely sure what we were trying to accomplish. Don’t get me wrong though, Woodard definitely will provide depth behind starting center David Andrews. Remember, Andrews coming back this season. He was cleared to play in 2020 after missing all last year due to blood clots. I’m just not sure this was the pick people thought would happen.
Overall 2020 Draft Grading: B
Quite frankly, Bill Belichick definitely drafted some gems. However. not having addressed the quarterback position really felt like a kick in the stomach to me. I understand he trusts Jarrett to do the job and that Brian Hoyer is our backup quarterback. But let’s be honest here for a second. Do you truly believe Hoyer could be a reliable quarterback to a Patriots team that needs depth in this position? What if Stidham gets injured? I would much rather have Tim Tebow back if that’s the case before I ever truly trust Hoyer entirely. Who knows, maybe Bill is up to something and will trade up for a veteran QB, maybe the likes of an Aaron Rodgers trade? After all though, just having address the defensive end of things and a couple of tight ends, I was satisfied but not completely as a Patriots fan.
~ Diego Galvis (Follow me on Twitter @Diego_TheDJ)
