Cam Garrity
May 3, 2024 3:23 pm ET
The New England Patriots came away with eight players in total in the 2024 NFL draft, including seven on the offensive side of the ball. They went into the event with a clear game plan and worked the board to execute it.
What those players become down the line will ultimately be determined by their actions on the football field. However, there’s more than enough footage from their college careers to make general comparisons to current players in the NFL.
Player comparisons are always a fun way to help the general fan base get an idea of how the player could be projected at the next level. Players are not limited, and these are just ways to generalize the type of player they will be. These will all be done with the idea in mind that each player will be a hit and play up to their full potential.
Here are the best NFL comparisons for the Patriots’ 2024 NFL draft class:
Drake Maye, QB
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – OCTOBER 28: Drake Maye #10 of the North Carolina Tar Heels walks the sideline during the second quarter against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Bobby Dodd Stadium on October 28, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Player Comparison: Justin Herbert
The sky is the limit for Maye, who I believe has the talent to be a top-five quarterback in the league some day. His raw arm talent, size and athleticism make him a prototypical modern NFL quarterback. There are a lot of people calling him Josh Allen, but I see more Justin Herbert in his game. Both are bigger quarterbacks, have great arms and can escape the pocket to extend plays. But neither of them are as overly special on the ground as Josh Allen.
Ja'Lynn Polk, WR
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – OCTOBER 21: Ja’Lynn Polk #2 of the Washington Huskies looks on during warmups before the game against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Husky Stadium on October 21, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
Player Comparison: Tyler Lockett
This one is a little tough and not a perfect comparison, but I see a lot of Lockett in Polk—sure hands, technically sound route-running, sneaky RAC ability and good size to stretch the field, if needed. Polk has the ability to become a really good receiver in this league, and I think his floor is higher than most receivers in the class.
Caedan Wallace, OT
Penn State offensive lineman Caedan Wallace (73) listens to offensive line coach Phil Trautwein (right) during warmups in Beaver Stadium before an NCAA football game against Indiana Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023, in State College, Pa. The Nittany Lions won, 33-24.
Player Comparison: La’el Collins
Wallace has played all of his snaps at right tackle, but he has just enough athleticism to switch to the left side, where the Patriots will try and develop him first. I see a lot of Collins in his game, with good balance, powerful hands, and pass-blocking awareness. He can move others in the run game, but he isn’t a top end athlete that you would want to run plays around.
He is fine in the zone game, but he is above average in power. I see Wallace becoming an above average offensive tackle in the NFL someday, but the Patriots are banking on him becoming their franchise left tackle.
Layden Robinson, G
Sep 23, 2023; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies offensive lineman Layden Robinson (64) looks on during the third quarter against the Auburn Tigers at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports
Player Comparison: Trey Smith
Robinson isn’t as big as Trey Smith, but he plays with a similar patience and balance. He could play tackle if he had to, and he has excellent footwork on the inside. The former Texas A&M standout was one of the better pass-protecting guards in the entire class, and I think like Smith, he will need some work during his first season or two in the run game, specifically in zone-blocking situations.
He has good power and quickness to become a solid NFL guard. I think as of now, he is a step ahead of where Atonio Mafi and Sidy Sow were coming out. So this likely speaks volumes to how the team views Cole Strange. Robinson may wind up starting at guard in Week 1, with the Patriots kicking Sow over to left guard.
Javon Baker, WR
Oct 21, 2023; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; UCF Knights wide receiver Javon Baker (1) makes a catch in fron tof Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Gentry Williams (9) during the second half at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Player Comparison: Rashee Rice
Baker has a lot of really good qualities, and he has the most upside of this class, outside of Drake Maye in my opinion. There is a lot of Rice in his game, with good footwork, great deep ball tracking and some of the surest hands in the class. Polk and Baker both have great hands, and they are a rookie quarterback’s best friend heading into the developmental stages of the offseason.
Marcellas Dial, DB
CLEMSON, SOUTH CAROLINA – NOVEMBER 26: Marcellas Dial #24 of the South Carolina Gameco*cks celebrates breaking up a Clemson Tigers third down pass in the fourth quarter at Memorial Stadium on November 26, 2022 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Eakin Howard/Getty Images)
Player Comparison: Deonte Banks
This is some really good value, as a lot of people had Dial going early Day 3. The Patriots were able to wait until pick No. 180 for a player comparable to New York Giants cornerback Deonte Banks. He has good size, speed and does a great job of high-pointing the ball. His versatility will allow him to fill into the Myles Bryant role, but the range he shows in zone is why I think him and Banks are similar styles of corner. I think Banks is much better, but if we’re talking potential, Banks is the comparison here.
Joe Milton III, QB
Nov 25, 2023; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Joe Milton III (7) passes the ball against the Vanderbilt Commodores during the first half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
Player Comparison: Josh Allen
The Patriots clearly have a new type at quarterback. They opted for larger quarterbacks in Jacoby Brissett, Drake Maye and Joe Milton III. Milton has similarities to Allen in body type, throwing power and physical running style. It doesn’t help that he has poor accuracy and often makes bad decisions, but that is why he is here at the end of the draft. His arm and physical tools alone make him a similar prospect to Josh Allen. Allen, although raw, was a better prospect than Milton. But like I said, this is based on potential.
Jaheim Bell, TE
Jan 31, 2024; Mobile, AL, USA; American tight end Jaheim Bell of Florida State (6) runs a rout during practice for the American team at Hanco*ck Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports
Player Comparison: Jonnu Smith
Bell is almost a carbon copy of Smith. With similar speed, size and playing style, I think this might be the most accurate player comparison of this haul. Bell had a fourth or fifth-round grade for a lot of folks. So this was tremendous value. I didn’t even realize he was still there when the pick was announced.
Bell, like Smith, has handled halfback duties while being a traditional move tight end and red zone weapon. I think this is a great fit for a Patriots tight end room and offense lacking explosiveness and the ability to disguise things. Bell can be a fun gadget player for the offense with Hunter Henry and others.
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