It's okay to admit that lately Bill's drafts have not been up to his usual standards. And that's okay! It's okay to admit he's not perfect!
Not counting the long list of quality UDFAs the Pats have acquired and developed....
The 2018 draft has produced:
- Sony Michel, who ended the year as one of the best RBs in the NFL and who scored 6 TDs in the playoffs, leading the Patriots to a SB title.
- Isaiah Wynn, who got hurt but who will be the team's starting left tackle in 2019.
- Ja'Waun Bentley, who got hurt but who will be a very important LB in the rotation in 2019.
- Ryan Izzo, who is the team's starting TE in 2019 (until Watson returns anyway).
And the guys they "missed" on....well, Crossen contributed to a SB championship, and both he and Dawson at least brought back picks as they were jettisoned.
That's a REALLY good NFL draft class when all is said and done.
The 2017 draft was weak, with just Wise producing. But then again, they only drafted four players, none higher than the 3rd round. They had a 4th rounder taken from them, and they made deals that helped them out.
The 2016 draft produced:
- Joe Thuney, one of the best OGs in football.
- Jacoby Brissett, who, while not playing for NE, is nonetheless now a starting QB in the NFL (and they got Dorsett, a key WR for them, in a trade for Brissett).
- Malcolm Mitchell, who got hurt unfortunately, but who was a HUGE contributor to a SB championship in 2016.
- Elandon Roberts, who started at LB for the Patriots, and who has been an important contributor on 3 SB teams.
- Ted Karras, who is now their starting center.
I mean, again, that's a SOLID draft.
The 2015 draft produced:
- Trey Flowers, who was tremendous for them during his rookie contract, and who came up HUGE in two SB victories.
- Shaq Mason, one of the best OGs in the NFL.
- Joe Cardona, a key special teams guy.
- Malcolm Brown, a DT that started for them for a few years.
A few more misses in 2015 (Jordan Richards, ahem), but that's still nice production.
We don't yet know about the 2018 draft, but so far...
- Winovich looks like a force.
- Harris looks like a contributor at RB.
- Stidham may be their next starting QB and rendered Hoyer expendable.
- Cowart made the team and should contribute at DL.
- Bailey replaced a 3x SB-winning punter in Allen.
- Williams looks like a stud in the secondary.
And Harry, Cajuste, and Froholdt still have the potential to be major contributors down the line.
So I don't know...I think BB's recent drafts have been pretty good. EVERYONE misses. Everyone. Without exception. I think these results are pretty solid.
