When a board-topper like Kamal Hadden slides to pick 231, you do not overthink it, and the Patriots did not.

So much rides on Jayden Daniels that the rest of the class almost grades on a curve behind him. Leaving edge rusher unaddressed is the roster risk they will have to answer for in the fall.

It is a bet on later, and a defensible one for a team playing the long game. Job largely done: wide receiver settled and 4 of 8 of the wish list covered.

Solid rather than spectacular, and there is nothing wrong with that.