Sony Michel is a great running back. His only drawback is his penchant for injury. Did he warrant a first round pick? No, no running back warrants a first round pick in today's NFL where superstar running backs are found after the first round every year.
But, Belichick HAD to draft a running back in the first round - I'm convinced of this - because he knows Brady's skills and Gronwkowski's skills are detriorating - and he had to get a "can't miss" back in the first round. Belichick needed someone who could combine with White, Burkhead, and Hill (granted the latter 2 are injured) to give the Pats an offense predicated on running moreso than in previous years.
Belichick knew they had to be able to run the ball into the end zone...
Brady has been beyond dreadful in the red zone this season, especially the last 4 games...Tom Brady, the guy with the answers to the test, is...
6-19 for 48 yards and NO TOUCHDOWNS in the last four games in the red zone...that is a quarterback rating of 40.89...that's FOURTY POINT EIGHT NINE! SAD!