The real work happened on the phones. The Patriots fleeced their trade partners, turning their picks into a noticeably bigger pile than they started with. It holds up to a second look, which is why it earns the A-.

The edge rusher hole is the one line item this class does not answer. The Patriots paired the rookies with proven help, Ja'Marr Chase leading the way.

It is a bet on later, and a defensible one for a team playing the long game.

Add it up and few war rooms did better this weekend, Travis Hunter and all.