Patriots’ 2024 draft class began with a bold goal to etch a place in franchise history, but injuries and turnover derailed the plan, leaving Caedan Wallace and Drake Maye as the last holdovers. Polk, Robinson, and Dial were lost to season-ending injuries; Baker joined the Eagles’ practice squad; Milton was traded; Bell was cut. Vrabel-inspired depth talk underscored the need to rebuild through the draft. With Maye at the helm and a handful of rookies in Week 1, the engine for 2025 hinges on smarter drafting and quicker development.