Another draft meant more surprises when it came to the Patriots and their 2018 selections. Of course, if we really dive into this rookie class, the Patriots’ picks and moves weren't all that shocking.

Mark Daniels

Consider this — the Patriots drafted a tackle, running back and cornerback with their first three picks. This came after they lost a tackle (Nate Solder), running back (Dion Lewis) and cornerback (Malcolm Butler) in free agency. Before the draft started, had we said that the Patriots would draft a quarterback, tight end, multiple linebackers, multiple cornerbacks, a tackle, running back and slot receiver, no one would’ve blinked an eye.

Of course, the Patriots took an unconventional route in the draft, showing that they value next year’s class over this one.

The most obvious sign of the Patriots' disdain of the 2018 class was all the moving. In the end, the Patriots made a franchise-record eight draft-day trades. Instead of picking five players in the first three rounds, the Pats came away with three — Isaiah Wynn, Sony Michel and Duke — and three future picks: a 2019 second-rounder, 2019 third rounder and a 2019 seventh rounder.

The fact that the Patriots passed on quarterbacks in the first six rounds also suggests that the team didn’t think much of this QB class outside of the five that went in the top 10. Now, armed with a first rounder, two seconds and three third rounders for next year, if the Patriots see Tom Brady’s heir apparent, they’ll be well positioned to trade up for him.

Although they didn’t draft a quarterback early, that doesn’t mean the Patriots weren’t thinking about their future with this draft class.

The Wynn pick was surprising at first because the Georgia alum profiles as a guard with his 6-foot-3 frame. Instead, the Patriots seem to value his arm length (33 3/8 inches, which is the same as last year’s third rounder, Tony Garcia) along with his athleticism and technique. The only other offensive linemen that Bill Belichick has selected in the first round are Nate Solder (2017) and Logan Mankins (2005), which puts Wynn in good company.

The Michel pick was surprising because he was a running back. The only other back selected by Belichick in the first round was Laurence Maroney. However, this could end up being one of the Patriots' best picks. Michel was dynamic at Georgia, averaging 7.9 yards per carry last year. He’s also a capable receiver and is said to be well versed in pass protection.

There’s also this. Michel’s testing numbers — 4.54 40-yard dash, 2.62 20-yard dash and a 1.56 10-yard dash — are very similar to New Orleans’ Alvin Kamara (4.53 40, 2.61 20 and 1.55 10-yard dash). If Michel turns out to be anywhere close to the player that Kamara, the AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, then the Patriots played this first round perfectly.

Of course, heading into this draft, most thought the Patriots would bolster their defense, which as everyone remembers was torched in Super Bowl LII. However, it’s possible everyone discounted the moves the Pats made before the draft.

New England signed the best available defensive end (Adrian Clayborn) and traded for a starting caliber defensive tackle (Danny Shelton). Add in the return of Dont’a Hightower and already, the Pats' front seven should be better. And add in last year’s third rounder, Derek Rivers, and Harvey Langi, who both missed their rookie seasons. The Pats also added competition to their middle linebacker position with Ja’Whaun Bentley and Christian Sam.

When it comes to replacing Butler, the Pats traded for Jason McCourty, who could team up with Eric Rowe opposite of Stephon Gilmore. Then in the second round, the Pats drafted arguably the best slot cornerback in the draft in Dawson, who according to Pro Football Focus allowed a 41.0 passer rating when targeted from the slot.

In the end, the Pats 2018 draft took a different avenue than a lot of people expected, but maybe it shouldn’t have that surprising after all.

In hindsight, Patriots' draft wasn't all that surprising