Many NFL Draft analysts believe the Patriots took offensive lineman Cole Strange (29th overall) and wide receiver Tyquan Thornton (50th overall) earlier than they had to and that both players would have been available in later rounds.
Don’t tell that to the Patriots, though. Director of Player Personnel Matt Groh said it’s “really easy for people to say,” but the reality is that it’s impossible to know what other teams are going to do. He said there are no certainties in such a fluid event and that no one wants to miss out on a player they’re pursuing.