patfanken

I'm not really sure who is the "best" rookie of the bunch, but when I saw this list, I couldn't help think, "Wow, what a rookie haul, from top to bottom. That's 3 defensive starters, and one rotational player, plus TWO, not one but TWO, UDFA who managed to not only to make a Superbowl roster, but make real contributions beyond special teams

Then add in an ace special teamer/developmental DB and you can almost forgive Jake Beguette's, and Eberts disappointing red shirt seasons because there is still a chance they can develop. This is an amazing rookie class. Actually its a continuation of 3 straight years of good drafts, and why we are in the position we are in.

patfanken

BTW- If there might be other teams that do as well as the Pats in gathering undrafted player, but there aren't many. What was the stat? 19 players on last season's superbowl roster that came into the league as UDFA's. That's astounding. I'm sure that reputation makes it easier for the Pats to go after and get the UFDA's they want. They all know that the competition will be tough, but if they are good enough, they WILL get a fair chance.

Rob0729

This rookie crop has the potential to be the best rookie class of the Belichick era. It made the biggest immediate impact of any rookie class (the 2003 class might have a decent argument against that claim though). This class and the 2010 class alone has restocked the Pats for a good long time to come.

Ivan

Jones had the biggest impact but overall this is one of the best rookie classes they have ever had and it is going to pay big dividends the next few years. I really think that they are going to have a top 3-5 defense for the next 5 years. Great job by Belichick. I can't wait to see how this defense plays next year.

DarrylS

I agree a lot of rookies who made a huge impact, accolades to the Pats front office and the coaches for knowing how to groom them and letting them play..

The late round draft picks and UDFA's who make an impact are my fave's...

__________________
"Being the best doesn't mean you always win. It just means you win more than anyone else".. tweet from Kurt Warner to Tom Brady.

Ice_Ice_Brady

It's hard not to be biased when voting. While Jones is clearly the superior player, the panic factor for me is much higher if we lose Dennard.

Uncle Rico

Pretty similar to my line of thinking. Jones has had the biggest impact over the longest period of time.

I absolutely love the way Dennard plays the game. Nice coverage skills, and excellent tackler

Hightower: I think he will really benefit from a pro off-season. I saw mention at one point this season that he came in a little heavier than expected and I have to think that'll change for '13.

__________________
"If they sought to intimidate us, to terrorize us, to shake us from ... the values that make us who we are, as Americans -- well, it should be pretty clear by now that they picked the wrong city to do it. Not here in Boston. Not here in Boston."
—President Barack Obama, April 18, 2013



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NewFeep

C. Jones! And it's not even close. He filled a position of need all year except for a couple games due to injury.

Dennard and Hightower were neck and neck coming in second.

Excellent draft this year, another really good draft and we can still dominate the division and vie for a top seed come playoff time for the foreseeable future.

Good thread too!

resdubwhite

Jones injury brought Dennard and Hightower into the reckoning.

But he managed to stay out ahead.

Hoping the sophomore year for these guys beats the rookie season.

We'll be a much better team if they are.

FO: More drafting like this please.

mgteich

The choice seems to be a 1st rounder who played like a solid 1st rounder or 7th rounder who played like a solid 2nd or 3rd rounder. I choose Dennard.