Reviewing the Patriots' Draft Haul From Rounds 4-7

After the Patriots focused on offense throughout the first three rounds of the NFL Draft, they switched to the defense in the fourth round.

Here’s how Rounds 4-7 went for New England on Day 3 of the NFL Draft:

Craig Woodson, Round 4 (No. 106)- Safety

Craig Woodson is a big safety that played in a variety of different concepts during his six years at Cal, where he lined up in the box, in the slot, out wide, as a safety over the top, and even down at the line coming off the edge.

I already wrote about Woodson in a previous piece, but I believe he is a foundational piece that was targeted early on by the Patriots.

Joshua Farmer, Round 4 (No. 137)- Defensive Tackle

Joshua Farmer is a strong and physical defensive tackle that was also on a Top 30 Visit with the Pats and wanted to come to New England after he met Vrabel and Milton Williams.

Farmer is also connected to Patriots defensive line coach, Clint McMillan, who recruited him out of high school and gave him his first scholarship offer to Florida State.

Bradyn Swinson, Round 5 (No. 146)- EDGE

Bradyn Swinson (6’3”, 255 lbs) is an intelligent, big-time defensive end that has speed coming off the edge. He didn’t run the 40-Yard dash, but he finished the 20-Yard shuttle in 4.33-seconds, which is the second-best in his position group.

Swinson totaled 58 tackles last season, 13 for loss, 8.5 sacks, three passes defended, and forced two fumbles in 13 games for LSU.

He joins free agent signing Harold Landry, Keion White, Anfernee Jennings, and K’Lavon Chaisson as the outside linebackers in New England.

In a quick interview with the local media after being drafted, Swinson said something that stuck with me about what he brings to the table for the Pats:

“I win my one-on-ones. That’s what I do. I pas rush. I win my one-on-ones. .. I really know how to get to the ball and find my ways around the ball.”

Andres Borregales, Round 6 (No. 182)- Kicker

Andres Borregales has a strong opportunity to be the next franchise kicker for the Patriots. In a previous article, I explained how Borregales is as consistent as they get as a kicker and he’s ready to compete for the starting job, saying “make the best man win.”

Marcus Bryant, Round 7 (No. 220)- Tackle

Marcus Bryant (6’8”, 318 lbs) is a strong and solid lineman. He is able to handle his one-on-one matchups with ease and protects his quarterback well. He does solid in pass protection overall, but needs to improve as a run blocker.

When I watched some of his film, I noticed that he operated out of a two-point stance and was very rarely in a three-point stance as a left tackle. He also didn’t do many actions in the run game as far as pulling around. He has the experience and the tools to do it, he just didn’t do much of it at Missouri last season.

Bryant is a great addition if the Patriots will be patient and allow him to develop. He should be part of the team in some capacity, but I think with time Bryant can be a legitimate player along the offensive line in New England.

One last note: Bryant might be more suited as a guard than a tackle in the NFL, but only time will tell.

Julian Ashby, Round 7 (No. 251)- Long Snapper

Julian Ashby (6’2”, 221 lbs) was the first long snapper drafted since 2021. He was set to have offers from multiple teams as an undrafted rookie free agent, but the Patriots made sure to draft him to get a closer look at what he can do.

The Patriots' current long snapper is Joe Cardona, who’s a two-time Super Bowl champion and the longest tenured player on the team in what will be his 11th season with the Patriots. Ashby will compete with Cardona for the job.

Kobee Minor, Round 7 (No. 257)- Cornerback

Kobee Minor (6’0”, 190 lbs) is a strong cornerback that has long strides to keep up with receivers step-for-step down field. He’s also an intelligent player, understanding how receivers line up, the routes they run, and how the formation might be designed to take him out of the play.

Minor fits the build of what Vrabel is looking for in his defensive backs: tall, fast, smart, and experienced players. We saw it with rookie fourth-round pick in safety Craig Woodson and newly signed veteran Carlton Davis. This is the build and style that Vrabel wants in the secondary.

One last note: Patriots GM Eliot Wolf said in a post-draft interview, with a smile, that he thinks that Minor “wasn’t necessarily on the radar” due to being a double-transfer.

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