Instant grades for the Patriots drafting ED Quintayvious Hutchins in Round 7
Quick-hit reaction to the Patriots’ final pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Nov 9, 2024; Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA; Boston College Eagles defensive end Quintayvious Hutchins (15) reacts after a sack against the Syracuse Orange during the first half at Alumni Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images | Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images The New England Patriots went with some home-grown talent to close out their 2026 NFL Draft. Quintayvious Hutchins, the edge rusher out of Boston College, was selected by the team in the seventh round .
Let’s grade the pick. Instant grades: Patriots draft ED Quintayvious Hutchins 247th overall Matt St. Jean: Hutchins is an undersized edge who will make the short drive down from Chestnut Hill.
He was a team captain last year at Boston College who brings special teams experience in addition to 16 starts at edge. He plays with more power than his size suggests, which Mike Vrabel got to test out in person at his Pro Day. | Grade: B Pat Lane: Hutchins doesn’t have elite measurables, but he played bigger and stronger than his size would suggest.
He also doesn’t have elite burst off the line, but he is able to get to quarterback anyway. Time will tell if that will translate to the NFL, but they’re awfully familiar with him as they have a ton of ties to BC, so they’re awfully familiar obviously like his character. | Grade: C+ Andrew Guindon: Hutchins is a smaller-framed edge rusher, but he’s incredibly aggressive and plays with more power than you’d expect.