Patriots Daily News Thread NEW ARTICLE: Friday Patriots Notebook 4/26: News and Notes

[PatsFans.com Article]

Friday Patriots Notebook 4/26: News and Notes
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Coming off of Thursday night's selection of Drake Maye with the third overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Patriots find themselves with a new young signal-caller with plenty of upside as they try and turn things around on offense.

The post Friday Patriots Notebook 4/26: News and Notes appeared first on PatsFans.com.

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[jmt57]

If the Patriots make this trade, then it is imperative that the Pats first receive permission to speak to Aiyuk and his agent, and sign a contract extension. Otherwise Aiyuk walks in eleven months as a free agent. That might be acceptable for a team that is all-in on winning the Super Bowl this year - but the current New England Patriots are the polar opposite, a 4-win team starting a multi-year rebuild.

As for the drafting of Pearsall, I envision the 49ers looking at him as a replacement for Deebo Samuel, not Aiyuk. Samuel is two years older than Aiyuk, seems to be slowing down a bit, and after the 2024 season he has no guaranteed salary. San Fran can let him go after this season with very little dead money towards their cap.

Ian Rapoport reported last night that San Francisco’s Brandon Aiyuk appears to be a potential trade candidate for New England, with the 34th overall pick potentially being a chip the club may use to acquire him.​

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San Francisco selected Florida wide receiver Ricky Pearsall last night, potentially setting themselves up for the future should Aiyuk ultimately end up being moved.​

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The key thing from there may simply be whether or not the Patriots can also come to an agreement for an extension for the 26-year-old, with the cost expected to be high given where the wide receiver market has already gone this offseason.​

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Kendrick Bourne recently did a little campaigning for his former teammate, admitting he’d like to see him on the field for the Patriots in 2024.​

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“I want Aiyuk,” said Bourne via Boston.com’s Khari Thompson. “He’s my guy, and I think he’ll fit in. Just being a one-on-one receiver at X. He can take a whole half of the field and dominate and create a lot of attention for himself. That’s big in our offense, the X receiver?”​

 

[Hugepatsfan]

Here's my question with Aiyuk... obviously a great player. But for a team seemingly in the early stages of a rebuild. is it worth spending huge money on him AND giving up the high pick? Were he a FA this year, I'd be fine giving him pretty much a blank check. Same with Higgins. I was ok making a hard run at Ridley and would have been fine overpaying him like I think TEN did. But I'm just not sure a team that I still think is pretty devoid of talent should be paying double costs for players unless the guy is generational or something.

 

[jmt57]

April 26 is a mega-birthday date in New England Patriots history; on this date three Pats legends were born.

Today in Patriots History
Steve Nelson​

Happy 73rd birthday to Steve Nelson
Born April 26, 1951 in Farmington, Minnesota
Patriot LILB, 1974-1987; uniform #57 (retired)
Pats 2nd round (34th overall) selection of the 1974 draft, from North Dakota State

Even though Steve Nelson was inducted into the Patriots Hall of Fame way back in 1993, he may be one of the Pats' and pro football's most overlooked players. Had Ben Dreith not robbed the Patriots of a 1976 Lombardi trophy (or Billy Sullivan's cheapness derailed a multi-year run), Nelson would be far more well known by football fans across the country.

Including the playoffs he started 178 games for the Patriots, with an appropriate 1776 tackles - 10.2 per game. In one 1982 game against the Jets he made 22 tackles! Nelson was voted to three Pro Bowls and named as a first team All Pro by Pro Football Weekly and The Sporting News in 1980. He had 17 interceptions and 16 fumble recoveries, and 100+ tackles in nine of his 14 seasons. The 17 picks is second most by a linebacker in franchise history, trailing only Hall of Famer Nick Buoniconti. At the time Nelson ranked 10th in franchise history for most pickss; even now he is still #16 overall in club history. When he retired Nelson ranked second in most consecutive seasons played (14); that is still listed in the club's all-time leader board, now ranked sixth. Nelson's 174 regular season games once ranked as second most in Patriot history (now 13th). His 16 career fumble recoveries still ranks second all-time, only behind Hall of Famer Andre Tippett's 19.

Steve Nelson was also named to the New England Patriots 1970s All-Decade Team, 1980s All-Decade Team, the 35th Anniversary Team, the 50th Anniversary Team, and the 2000 Team of the Century. He played 14 consecutive seasons for the Patriots, the most in team history for a defensive player and fourth most overall.

Nelson was one of the first Patriots to be inducted into the team's Hall of Fame in 1993 - just two year after John Hannah was the original recipient of the honor.

Meddlesome Man in the Middle: Few people outside of Foxboro, Mass. have heard of Steve Nelson, the Patriots' inside linebacker, but he may be the best in the NFL | Sports Illustrated, 1978

Patriots HOFer Steve Nelson Interview (2012)

Tackling History with Steve Nelson | (N Dakota St) Bison Illustrated (2016)[/URL}

​

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Julius Adams​

In memory of Julius Adams, who would have been 76 today
Born April 26, 1948 in Macon, Georgia
Died March 24, 2016 in South Carolina at the age of 67
Patriot RDE, 1971-1987; uniform #85 (1972-85) and #69 (1971, 1987)
Pats 2nd round (27th overall) selection of the 1971 draft, from Texas Southern

With Raymond Clayborn finally getting his long overdue acknowledgement, nobody other than Julius Adams is more deserving of induction into the Patriots Hall of Fame. Similar to Steve Nelson, Adams suffers from lack of national recognition due to no fault of his own; despite his superb effort, his teams never won a Superbowl.

Adams spent his entire career with the Pats, playing in a then record total of 212 games - still most in team history for a defensive player, and fourth most overall. His 79.5 career sacks rank second to only Andre Tippett in career franchise history - though that number should be much more since sacks were not accurately tracked until 1982.

Julius Adams is also a member of the New England Patriots 1970s All-Decade Team, 1980s All-Decade Team, the 35th Anniversary Team, the 50th Anniversary Team, and the 2000 Team of the Century.

​

Pro Football Journal: R.I.P. Julius "The Jewel" Adams

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When Jack Youngblood arrived in Chicago for the 1971 College All-Star game practices he thought he was in the wrong place.... ​

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Also in camp was Julius Adams, who Youngblood had never heard of before, but he saw a 6-3 260-pound man with amazing natural strength and quickness. At that point, Youngblood, at 242 pounds, felt like "someone's kid brother".​

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Mosi Tatupu​

In memory of Mosi Tatupu, who would have been 69 today
Born April 26, 1955 in Pago Pago, American Samoa
Died February 23, 2010 in Attleboro at the age of 54
Patriot RB/ST ace, 1978-1990; uniform #30
Pats 8th round (215th overall) selection of the 1978 draft, from USC

The fan favorite had his best game in the historic Squish the Fish game. Tatupu memorably placed a bone jarring hit on a Miami kick returner, causing a fumble that led to a Patriot touchdown. Later in the second half Tatupu bulled his way in for a touchdown that essentially clinched the victory, which put the Patriots in their first ever Superbowl. Sadly he died far too young, probably from CTE that came about from his selflessly reckless style of play.

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The legacy of his special teams play lives on. The Mosi Tatupu Award is given annually to the College Football Special Teams Player of the Year by the Maui Quarterback Club and the Hula Bowl.

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Although he was not a starter, still Tatupu ranks 16th in Patriot history with 2,415 rushing yards and 15th with 18 rushing touchdowns. Tatupu missed only 14 games in 13 years with the Patriots, with half of those coming after a 1982 injury. His 194 regular season games played ranks seventh all time in franchise history, behind only Tom Brady, Matthew Slater, Bruce Armstrong, Julius Adams, Devin McCourty and Stephen Gostkowski.

As a senior in high school Mosi Tatupu was a starter on his 1974 state champion basketball team​

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Rod Shoate and other birthdays​

On a typical day Rod Shoate's birthday would be the highlight of "Today in Patriots History", but he had some serious competition.


In memory of Rod Shoate, who would have been 71 today
Born April 26, 1953 in Spiro, Oklahoma
Died October 4, 1999 in Spiro, OK at the age of 46
Patriot ROLB, 1975-1981; uniform #56
Pats 2nd round (41st overall) selection of the 1975 draft, from Oklahoma

​

Rod Shoate played for Chuck Fairbanks at Oklahoma, and the two reunited in Foxboro. He was a good starter for four seasons but things badly unraveled after an injury that led to the end of his career - and then a fatal downward spiral.

Rod played in 79 games with 64 starts over six seasons, all with the Patriots. He had five interceptions and seven fumble recoveries. Shoate's one pick-six came in the third quarter of a 1980 game against Bert Jones and the Colts. His 47-yard return gave the Pats a 17-0 lead, and what had been a close game turned into a 47-21 rout. The Pats improved to 8-4, but the offense sputtered the next two games, and ended up missing the playoffs by one game.

Rod Shoate's College Football Hall of Fame Election a blessing for his family

Rod Shoate (2013) - College Football Hall of Fame




Happy 34th birthday to Sealver Siliga
Born April 26, 1990 in West Jordan, Utah
Patriot DT, 2013-2015; uniform #71 ('13), #96
Signed as a free agent to the practice squad on October 23, 2013

The Pats signed the former Denver Bronco to their practice squad after week 7 of the 2013 season, and he later started four games that year. In three seasons Siliga appeared in 25 regular season games with 13 starts for the Pats. He had 95 tackles (41 solo), 8 tackles for a loss, 6 QB hits, 5.5 sacks and one forced fumble.

Siliga also played in seven Patriot playoff games, including a start in Super Bowl 49. He later played briefly for the Seahawks and Buccaneers - where he generously left a $1000 Christmas Eve tip at an Applebee's.

Happy 60th birthday to Tim Jordan
Born April 26, 1964 in Madison, Wisconsin
Patriot OLB, 1987-1989; uniform #93
Pats 4th round (107th overall) selection of the 1987 draft, from Wisconsin

In three seasons Jordan appeared in 30 games, with ten starts when Andre Tippett was injured. He had three sacks, an interception and three fumble recoveries. He is now a project manager with JP Cullen, a Wisconsin construction management firm.

Happy 74th birthday to Bob McCall
Born April 26, 1950 in Sarasota, FL
Patriot RB, 1973; uniform #24
Claimed off waiver from the Bengals on September 6, 1973

McCall was a Cincinnati fifth round draft pick out of Arizona in '73, but never played in any games for the Bengals. His first NFL appearance came in week 7, and McCall went on to play in eight games with one start in Chuck Fairbanks first season as Pats HC. His stat line reads 10 carries, three receptions, two kickoff returns - and four fumbles - which explains the brevity of his pro football career.




Happy 48th birthday to Jeff Paulk
Born April 26, 1976 in Phoenix
Patriot FB, 2000; uniform #46
Signed as a free agent to the practice squad on December 7, 2000

A third round pick by Atlanta in 1999, Paulk barely had a cup of coffee in the NFL. He played in one game in Bill Belichick's first season as head coach in Foxboro and is now a firefighter back in his native Arizona.

1996 Sun Devils Prove There Is Life Beyond Football

Happy 40th birthday to Thomas Clayton
Born April 26, 1984 in Alexandria, Virginia
Patriot RB, 2010; uniform #22
Signed as a free agent on June 11, 2010

Clayton was signed and released three times by the Patriots in 2010, bouncing back and forth between the Pats and the Browns. His only appearance with New England was in the final game of the 2010 season when he had six carries in a 38-7 victory over Miami.

Patriots.com press releases:
6/11/2010 - Patriots sign RB Thomas Clayton; Release Three
8/11/2010 - Patriots re-sign RB Thomas Clayton; Release G Darnell Stapleton
9/30/2010 - Patriots sign RB Thomas Clayton; Release OL Quinn Ojinnaka

Happy 39th birthday to Corey Hilliard
Born April 26, 1985 in New Orleans
Patriot OT, 2007 (offseason); uniform #63
Pats 6th round (209th overall) selection of the 2007 draft, from Oklahoma State

Hilliard did not make the roster, as he was cut on September 1. From 2007-14 he appeared in 47 games with 12 starts for the Colts and Lions. He was also with the Browns at one point, and retired in 2015 six weeks after signing with the Jets.

5/16/2007 - Meet the Rookies - OL Corey Hilliard | Patriots.com

Happy 76th birthday to Phil Olsen
Born April 26, 1948 in Logan, Utah
Patriot DT, 1970
Pats 1st round (4th overall) selection of the 1970 draft, from Utah State

Never as good as older brother Merlin, Phil refused to play for the Patriots. In some ways I can't blame him, but who the hell was he to think that way? After the draft Olsen suffered a knee injury getting ready for the College All-Star Game. That resulted in his sitting out his entire rookie season due to the injury. His contract then became void because of a loophole in his contract regarding an option clause. He was picked up by the Rams, who gave the Patriots their first-round pick the following year in exchange for the younger Olsen.

One other NFL player born on this day with New England roots:
Damik Scafe, 36
The DE is a native of Windsor CT and went to Boston College. Scafe was with the San Diego Chargers from 2011-15 - twice on IR, three times on the practice squad - and appeared in two NFL games in 2012.

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
April 26 Drafts and Transactions​

April 26, 1972:
The Patriots trade DE Fred Dryer to the Rams for DE Rick cash and a 1973 first round pick.

Fred Dryer had been a first round pick by the Giants in 1969. New York had traded him to New England two months earlier, for a first and sixth round pick in '72, plus a second in '73. Dryer - who would go on to play a detective in the television show Hunter for seven seasons - had no intention of playing for the Patriots. He wanted to be near Hollywood for his post-NFL career. Dryer refused to report unless the Patriots signed him to a long term contract making him the highest paid defensive player in the NFL - something Dryer knew Billy Sullivan would never do.

Dryer had played the 1971 season without a contract, so he was set to become a free agent in May of '72. Why Sullivan and the Patriots didn't realize that or look into it prior to the trade, I have no idea. But at that point the Pats had no choice but to trade him and get what they could. In retrospect they were fortunate that the Rams were as generous as they were; the Patriots used that draft pick the following year to select RB Sam Cunningham.

April 26, 1983:
Day one of the NFL Draft, rounds 1-3
Sheraton Hotel, New York City

This draft was notable on multiple levels. First off, John Elway was selected first overall by the Colts - but hated the franchise and told them he would play baseball for the Yankees rather than signing with them. The Colts paid no attention, drafted Elway anyways - and then were forced to trade him to Denver.

Elway was not the only first round player that refused to sign; Jim Kelly elected to sign with the Houston Gamblers of the USFL after he was convinced that Ralph Wilson was not serious about making Buffalo a contender. Kelly would sign with the Bills, who retained his rights indefinitely, when the USFL folded three years later.

This draft would also come to be known as greatest NFL quarterback class ever. Six QBs were selected in the first round, three of whom became Hall of Famers. Overall this draft class produced eight Hall of Famers, seven of who were taken in the first round. All five AFC East teams drafted a quarterback in the first round.

After finishing the 1982 season ranked 21st in both points scored and yardage gained, the Patriots were one of the teams to draft a quarterback in the first round. Unfortunately they passed on a guy named Dan Marino.

The Pats used the most selections of any team in this draft, with 19 picks.

- 1.15 -- QB Tony Eason, Illinois
- 2.47 -- WR Darryal Wilson, Tennessee
- 3.74 -- WR Stephen Starring, McNeese State
- In 1982 the Patriots traded FS Tim Fox to San Diego for a 1982 second round pick and a 1983 third.
- 3.84 -- G Steve Moore, Tennessee State




April 26, 1992:
Day 1 of the NFL Draft, rounds 1-3
Marriott Marquis, New York City

Unlike the draft above, this one produced zero Hall of Famers.

- 1.08 -- Pats trade down, sending this pick to Atlanta for 1.19, 2.46 and 4.104
- Patriots trade up, sending 1.19, 2.37 and 4.104 to Dallas for 1.13 and 3.71.
Dallas uses that second round pick on 3x All Pro safety Darren Woodson.
- 1.13 -- OT Eugene Chung, Virginia Tech
- Patriots trade up, sending 2.46 and 4.100 to Phoenix for 2.35
- 2.35 -- CB Rod Smith, Notre Dame
- 3.64 -- LB Todd Collins, Carson-Newman
- 3.71 -- FB Kevin Turner, Alabama




April 26, 1993:
Day 2 of the NFL Draft, rounds 5-8
Marriott Marquis, New York City

The Patriots have not only the first selection, but also the most (10).

- 5.113 -- K Scott "Missin" Sisson, Georgia Tech
- 5.138 -- TE Rich Griffith, Arizona
- 6.142 -- CB Lawrence Hatch, Florida
- 7.169 -- TE Clarence Williams, Washington State
- 8.189 -- WR Troy Brown, Marshall


April 26, 1996:
Patriots sign restricted free agent LB Monty Brown after Buffalo refuses to match the Pats offer.


April 26, 2003:
Day 1 of the NFL Draft, rounds 1-3
The Theatre at Madison Square Garden, new York City

- Patriots trade up one spot, sending 1.14 and 6.193 to Chicago for 1.13.
This pick was originally compensation in the Drew Bledsoe trade.
- 1.13 -- DE Ty Warren, Texas A&M
- Patriots trade out, sending 1.19 to Baltimore for 2.41 and a 2004 first.
The Ravens draft Kyle Boller; a year later the Patriots selected Vince Wilfork.
- The Pats trade up, sending the 2.41 from above and 3.75 to Houston for 2.36 and 4.117 (Dan Klecko).
- 2.36 -- CB Eugene Wilson, Illinois
- Patriots trade up, sending 2.50 and 4.120 to Carolina for 2.45.
- 2.45 -- WR Bethel Johnson, Texas A&M
- Pats trade 3.78 to Miami for a 2004 second round pick.




April 26, 2008:
Day 1 of the NFL Draft, rounds 1-2
Radio City Music Hall, New York City

The Patriots had their own first round pick stolen from them by Roger Goodell for the witchhunt known as spygate.
They did however have another first round pick, from a 2007 trade with the 49ers.

- Patriots trade down, sending 1.7 and 5.164 to New Orleans for 1.10 and 3.78.
- 1.10 -- LB Jerod Mayo, Tennessee
- 2.62 -- CB Terrence Wheatley, Colorado




April 26, 2009:
Day 2 of the NFL Draft, rounds 3-7
Radio City Music Hall, New York City

Matthew Stafford was the first overall pick; New England and Dallas had the most draft picks with 12 each. The Patriots had traded down twice in the first round, then took Patrick Chung, Ron Brace, Darius Butler and Sebastain Vollmer in round two.

- Pats trade 3.25 to Tennessee for a 2010 2nd. Titans draft TE Jared Cook, who would go on to have over 500 receptions and 45 TD.
- Pats trade 3.73 to Jacksonville for 7.232 and a 2010 2nd. jags select CB Derek Cox, who only played for five seasons in the NFL.
- 3.83 -- WR Brandon Tate, North Carolina
- 3.97 -- LB Tyrone McKenzie, South Florida (compensatory pick for loss of Asante Samuel)
- Pats trade CB Ellis Hobbs to Philadelphia for 5.141
- Pats trade up, sending 5.137 and 5.141 to the Ravens for 4.123 and 6.198
- 4.123 - G Rich Ohrnberger, Penn State
- 5.170 - G George Bussey, Louisville (compensatory pick for loss of Donte' Stallworth)
- 6.125 - LS Jake Ingram, Hawaii (pick came from the Ravens trade above)
- 6.207 - DT Myron Pryor, Kentucky (compensatory pick for loss of Randall Gay)
- 7.232 - QB/WR Julian Edelman, Kent Ste (pick came from the Jacksonville trade above)
- 7.234 - DT Darryl Richard, Georgia Tech




April 26, 2012:
Day 1 of the NFL Draft, round one
Radio City Music Hall, New York City

Ryan Grigson's 2011 Suck for Luck results in the Colts drafting Andrew Luck first overall.

- Pats trade up, sending 1.27 and 3.93 to Cincinnati for 1.21
- 1.21 -- DE Chandler Jones, Syracuse
- Pats trade up again, sending 1.31 and 4.126 to Denver for 1.25
- 1.25 -- LB Dont'a Hightower, Alabama



April 26, 2013:
Day 2 of the NFL Draft, rounds 2-3
Radio City Music Hall, New York City

The previous day the Patriots traded out of the first round, for 2.52, 3.83, 4.102 and 7.229.

- 2.52 -- LB Jamie Collins, Southern Miss
- 2.59 -- WR Aaron Dobson, Marshall
- 3.83 -- CB Logan Ryan, Rutgers
- 3.91 -- S Duron Harmon, Rutgers




April 26, 2018:
Day 1 of the NFL Draft, round one
AT&T Stadium, Arlington Texas

The Patriots had previously received a first round pick (1.23) as part of the Brandin Cooks trade to the Rams.

- 1.23 -- OT Isaiah Wynn, Georgia
- 1.31 -- RB Sony Michel, Georgia




April 26, 2019:
Day 2 of the NFL Draft, rounds 2-3
Lower Broadway; Nashville, Tennessee

On the previous day New England drafted WR N'Keal Harry.

- Pats trade up (why?), sending 2.56 and 3.103 to the Rams for 2.45
- 2.45 -- CB Joejuan "Slow One" Williams, Vanderbilt
- Pats trade down, sending 2.64 to the Seahawks for 3.77 and 4.118
Seattle drafts WR D.K. Metcalf, who is somewhat better than N'Keal Harry.
- Pats trade down, sending 3.73 and 6.205 to Chicago for 3.87, 5.162 and a 2020 fourth.
- 3.77 -- DE Chase Winovich, Michigan
- 3.87 -- RB Damien Harris, Alabama
- NFL had previously awarded the Pats with a compensatory pick, 3.97, for the loss of Danny Amendola.
- Pats trade down, sending 3.97 and 5.162 to the Rams for 3.101 and 4.133 (QB Jarrett Stidham)
- 3.101 - OT Yodny Cajuste, West Virginia

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
2012: A Pair of Head-Scratching Draft Picks​

April 27, 2012 was not the greatest of draft days in Patriot history.

The 2012 NFL Draft got off to a great start for the Patriots, with the first round selections of Chandler Jones and Dont'a Hightower.

The following day was a different story.


- In the second round with the 48th overall pick, the Patriots drafted Illinois safety Tavon Wilson.

Tavon Wilson was projected to be a 6th or 7th round draft pick, or possibly go undrafted. He had not even been invited to the NFL draft combine. Wilson started some as a rookie and got a decent amount of playing time (464 defensive snaps, 42%) in 2012, but he wasn't particularly impressive. He was better on special teams, but why draft a ST player so early? If the team wanted a safety they should have traded up (for future 6x Pro Bowler Harrison Smith or 8-year starter Mark Barron); waited (Boise State's George Iloka was available in the fifth round; he went on to have a ten-year career at safety) - or just selected Wilson if he was still available in the fifth or sixth round .

The Patriots are known for drafting down or into the following year. Why not do that here, rather than drafting a special teams only ace?

Wilson started four games as a rookie, but his playing time dwindled after that. In his second season he was on the field for a grand total of 17 defensive snaps. After his contract expired in 2016 the Patriots made no attempt to re-sign him.

- Patriots traded their second (62nd overall) to Green Bay for a third (90th overall) and a fifth (163rd overall).

In the 3rd round with the 90th overall pick, the Patriots drafted Arkansas DE Jake Bequette.

In his rookie season Bequette was on the field for a mere 29 snaps over three games, primarily in garbage time. The next year Bequette's playing time somehow managed to actually diminish. He was on the field for 11 defensive snaps in a blowout versus the Bucs, plus three more snaps a couple weeks later. He also appeared in 36 special team snaps, with about half coming in one game against the Saints.

In 2014 Bequette was a training camp cut. He was re-signed to the practice squad and managed to remain there for the entire season - thus receiving a Super Bowl ring - despite never being on the 53-man roster. Somehow Bequette was still not shown the door, as the Pats attempted to convert him to tight end in the 2015 off season. He was mercifully released before the start of the 2015 season, becoming a free agent. None of the 31 other teams ever brought Bequette in for even a workout, ending his pro football career.

Bequette then joined the Army and was deployed in Iraq with the 101st Airborne Division. Once he got out he marketed that experience along with his being a super bowl champion in a far-right campaign to become a United States senator from Arkansas. Bequette lost the 2022 primary by an almost three to one margin.


Meanwhile the Packers selected Vanderbilt corner Casey Hayward with the draft pick they received from New England. Hayward had immediate impact with six interceptions his rookie season. He had a 13-year NFL career with two Pro Bowls, once led the league with seven picks, and had 25 career interceptions. Other available options were linebackers Olivier Vernon (Pro Bowl, 8-year starter) and Demario Davis (All Pro, 12-year starter) , or another defensive end, Akiem Hicks (Pro Bowl, 8-year starter).

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Day One of the 1982 Draft​

April 27, 1982:
Day One (Rounds 1-3) of the NFL Draft
Sheraton Hotel, New York City

There were four Hall of Famers selected in this draft, one of whom was a New England Patriot. The Pats also had the first overall pick of the draft, but he was definitely not that Hall of Famer. The Patriots also tied with Miami for the most picks in the '82 draft, with 17.

Even though Sims never played up to his draft status, this was still one of the most productive single days of draft picks in franchise history.


- 1.01 -- DE Kenneth Sims, Texas

- Patriots trade TE Russ Francis, who was on the reserve/retired list, to the 49ers for a first (1.27) and fourth (4.111) round draft pick. The All World Tight End had refused to report to training camp in 1981 after a dispute with the Sullivans. Francis had a clause in his contract for a bonus if he made the Pro Bowl, which he did. But because Francis did not play in the Pro Bowl due to an injury, the Sullivans used that as an excuse to not pay him that bonus. Francis was also Darryl Stingley's roommate, and was upset that the Patriots attempted to cancel Stingley's medical insurance after being paralyzed.

- 1.27 -- NT Lester Williams, Miami

- Patriots make another trade with San Francisco. The Pats trade up, sending 2.29 to the 49ers for 2.41 and 2.55

- Another trade, this time with San Diego. The Patriots trade six-year starting free safety Tim Fox to the Chargers for a second round (2.40) pick and a 1983 third.

- 2.40 -- RB Robert Weathers, Arizona State

- 2.41 -- OLB Andre Tippett, Iowa

- 2.55 -- OT Darryl Haley, Utah

- 3.56 -- WR Cedric Jones, Duke

- 3.60 -- ILB Clayton Weishuhn, Angelo State
* This pick belonged to the Patriots after they traded RB Horace Ivory to Seattle on September 28, 1981.

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Day Two of the 1983 Draft​

April 27, 1983:
Day Two of the NFL Draft (Rounds 4-12)
Sheraton Hotel, New York City

On the previous day the Pats selected QB Tony Eason, WR Darryall Wilson, WR Stephen Starring and G Steve Moore.
Rembert, James, Lippett and Williams all became solid Day Two starters for the Patriots.
The Patriots ended up with a whopping 19 selections, in part due to a four-for-one trade with New Orleans.


- 4.101 -- ILB Johnny Rembert, Clemson

- 5.118 -- DE Smiley Creswell, Michigan State
* This pick came from the 1982 trade with Chicago for Rod Shoate

- 5.128 -- TE Darryl Lewis, Texas-Arlington

- 6.155 -- K Mike Bass, Illinois

- 7.187 -- RB Craig James, SMU

- 8.214 -- CB Ronnie Lippett, Miami

- 9.233 -- RB Ricky Williams, Langston
* The previous day the Saints traded 9.233, 10.265, 11.292 and 12.319 to the Pats for 4.97.

- 9.240 -- TE Mark Keef, Arizona

- 10.264 - TE James Williams, Wyoming
* Pick came from a 1982 trade with the Giants.

- 10.265 - DE Toby Williams, Nebraska

- 10.267 - QB Tom Ramsey, UCLA

- 11.292 - WR Steve Parker, Abilene Christian

- 11.294 - DB Calvin Eason, Houston

- 12.319 - RB Waddell Kelly, Arkansas State

- 12.326 - OT Andy Ekern, Missouri




April 27, 1985:
Commissioner Pete Rozelle orders the Patriots to give a seventh round pick to the Raiders as compensation for scout John Polonchek.

Polonchek had been an Offensive Backfield Coach with the Raiders from 1967-71, an Offensive Passing Game Coordinator and Wide Receivers Coach with Green Bay from 1972-1974, and New England's Quarterbacks Coach and Special Assistant to the Head Coach from 1976-1980. He returned to Oakland the following season. Rozelle ruled that Head Coach Raymond Berry tampered with Polonchek before hiring him as a QB Coach and Special Assistant.




April 27, 1992:
Day Two of the 1992 NFL Draft (Rounds 4-12)
Marriott Marquis, New York City

On Day One the Pats drafted OT Eugene Chung, CB Rod Smith, LB Todd Collins and FB Kevin Turner.
The Patriots had the most selection in this draft, with 17.

This Day Two was not as fruitful as the '83 draft above. Sam Gash was a productive player for the Pats, and then went on to a pair of Pro Bowls with Buffalo. Sabb spent five seasons in New England as a backup. Dixon had a lengthy NFL career but it was all with Minnesota, after being cut as a rookie by the Pats. The rest had little or no career in the NFL.

- 4.90 -- CB Dion Lambert, UCLA
* Pick obtained from 1991 draft trade with San Diego.

- 4.93 -- CB Darren Anderson, Toledo

- 5.116 - LB Dwayne Sabb, New Hampshire
* Pick obtained from 1991 Jesse Solomon trade to Tampa Bay.

- Pats trade down, sending 6.145 to Detroit for 6.165, 7.194, 10.277 and 12.333

- 6.165 - G Tracy Boyd, Elizabeth City State

- 7.176 - WR Wayne Hawkins, SW Minnesota State

- 7.194 - DT Jim Gray, West Virginia

- 8.204 - RB Scott Lockwood, USC
* Pick obtained from earlier trade of OT Freddie Childress to Cleveland.

- 8.205 - FB Sam Gash, Penn State

- 9.232 - G David Dixon, Arizona State

- 10.261 - TE Turner Baur, Penn State

- 10.277 - C Steve Gordon, Cal

- 11.288 - LB Mike Petko, Nebraska

- 12.333 - WR Freeman Baysinger, Humboldt State

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
More April 27 Drafts​

April 27, 2003:
68th Annual NFL Player Selection Meeting, aka
Day Two of the 2003 NFL Draft, Rounds 4-7
The Theater at Madison Square Garden, New York City

On Day One the Patriots had a good day, drafting DE Ty Warren, CB Eugene Wilson and WR Bethel Johnson.
The values got even better on Day Two.

- 4.117 -- LB Dan Klecko, Temple

- Pats trade up, sending 4.128 and 5.157 to Denver for 4.120
- 4.120 -- CB Asante Samuel, UCF

- Pats trade down, sending 5.154 and 7.225 to Tennessee for 5.164, 6.201 and 7.243
- 5.164 -- C Dan Koppen, Boston College

- 6.201 -- QB Kliff Kingsbury, Texas Tech

- 7.234 -- FB Spencer Nead, BYU

- 7.239 -- OLB Tully Banta-Cain, Cal
* Pick obtained from earlier trade with New Orleans for Tebucky Jones.

- 7.243 -- DT Ethan Kelley, Baylor




April 27, 2008:
73rd Annual NFL Player Selection Meeting, aka
Day Two of the 2003 NFL Draft, Rounds 3-7
The Theater at Madison Square Garden, New York City

On Day One the Patriots drafted LB Jerod Mayo and CB Terrance Wheatley
Roger Goodell also stole a first round draft pick despite league rules permitting videotaping.
Mayo and Slater were the only hits on this draft.

- Pats trade down, sending 3.69 to San Diego for 5.160 and a 2009 2nd round draft pick.

- 3.78 -- LB Shawn Crable, Michigan

- 3.94 -- QB Kevin O'Connell, San Diego State

- 4.129 -- CB Jonathan Wilhite, Auburn

- Pats trade up, sending 5.160 and 7.238 to Tampa Bay for 5.153.
- 5.153 -- WR Matthew Slater, UCLA

- 6.197 -- LB Bo Ruud, Nebraska




April 27, 2009:
Pats sign undrafted rookie free agents LB Antonio Appleby, FS Marcus McClinton and QB Brian Hoyer.


April 27, 2012:
77th Annual NFL Player Selection Meeting, aka
Day Two of the 2012 NFL Draft, Rounds 2-3
Radio City Music Hall, New York City

On Day One the Patriots drafted DE Chandler Jones and LB Dont'a Hightower.
For the rest, see the comments three posts up.


April 27, 2013:
78th Annual NFL Player Selection Meeting, aka
Day Three of the 2003 NFL Draft, Rounds 4-7
Radio City Music Hall, New York City

The Pats traded out of the first round, then drafted LB Jamie Collins, WR Aaron Dobson, CB Logan Ryan and S Duron Harmon on Day Two.

- 4.102 -- WR Josh Boyce, TCU
* Pick obtained from previously trading down in round one.

- 4.126 -- previously sent to Tampa in 2012 in trade for CB Aqib Talib.

- 5.162 -- previously sent to Washington in 2011 in trade for Albert Haynesworth.

- 6.197 -- previously sent to Cincinnati in 2011 in trade for Chad Ochocinco Johnson.

- 7.226 -- DE Michael Buchanan, Illinois
* Pick obtained previously as part of the Aqib Talib trade.

- Pats trade 7.229 (previously obtained from trading down in first round), along with RB Jeff Demps to Tampa for RB LeGarrette Blount.

- 7.235 -- Steve Beauharnais, Rutgers




April 27, 2017:
82nd Annual NFL Player Selection Meeting, aka
Day One of the 2017 NFL Draft, Round One
The Rocky Steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art

Myles Garrett was the first player selected; the Patriots made the fewest picks of any team in this draft with four.

- Pats traded their first round pick (#32 overall) plus 3.103 to New Orleans for WR Brandin Cooks and what would have been 4.118 on March 10, 2017.

Roger Goodell then stole that 4th round pick due to refusing to believe in the science of the Ideal Gas Law. Apparently since he has a chauffeur he doesn't notice what happens to the air pressure in his vehicle's tires when the temperature drops.




April 27, 2018:
83rd Annual NFL Player Selection Meeting, aka
Day Two of the 2018 NFL Draft, Rounds 2-3
Jerry World, Arlington Texas

Baker Mayfield went first, one of five QBs (Sam Darnold, Josh Allen, Josh Rosen, Lamar Jackson) selected in the first round.
On Day One the Patriots selected OT Isaiah Wynn and RB Sony Michel.

- Pats trade down, sending 2.43 to Detroit for 2.51 and 4.117.
That pick had previously been obtained from San Francisco in exchange for QB Jimmy Garoppolo.

- Pats trade down again, sending 2.51 to Chicago for 4.105 and a 2019 2nd round pick.

- Pats trade up, sending 2.63 and 4.117 to Tampa for 2.56
- 2.56 -- CB Duke Dawson, Florida

- Pats trade 3.95 to San Francisco for OT Trent Brown and 5.143 (Ja'Whan Bentley).




April 27, 2019:
84th Annual NFL Player Selection Meeting, aka
Day Two of the 2019 NFL Draft, Rounds 4-7
Lower Broadway, Nashville Tennessee

The Patriots had previously drafted WR N'Keal Harry, CB Joejuan Williams, DE Chase Winovich, RB Damien Harris and OT Yodny Cajuste.

- 4.118 -- G Hjate Froholdt, Arkansas
* Pick had previously been obtained by trading down and passing on D.K. Metcalf.

- 4.133 -- QB Jarrett Stidham, Auburn
* Pick had been obtained previous day by trading down with the Rams.

- Pats trade down, sending 4.134 and 7.243 to Rams for 5.162 and 5.167.

- Pats trade up, sending 5.162 and 7.239 to Vikings for 5.159.
- 5.159 -- DT Byron Cowart, Maryland
- Pats trade up, sending 5.167 and 7.246 to Philadelphia for 5.163
- 5.163 -- P Jake Bailey, Stanford

- 5.170 was previously traded in 2018 to Cleveland for WR Josh Gordon and 7.243

- 7.252 -- CB Ken Webster, Ole Miss
* Compensatory pick for loss of CB Malcolm Butler.




April 27, 2023:
88th Annual NFL Player Selection Meeting, aka
Day One of the 2023 NFL Draft, Round 1
Union Station, Kansas City Missouri

The first two players drafted are Alabama QB Bryce Young by Carolina, and Ohio State QB CJ Stroud by Houston.

- Pats trade down, sending 1.14 to Pittsburgh for 1.17 and 4.120.
- 1.17 -- CB Christian Gonzalez, Oregon




April 27, 2024:
89th Annual NFL Player Selection Meeting, aka
Day Three of the 2024 NFL Draft, Rounds 4-7
Campus Martius Park, Detroit

Previously the Pats selected QB Drake Maye, WR Ja'Lynn Polk and OT Caeden Wallace

- 4.103 -- G Layden Robinson, Texas A&M

- 4.110 -- WR Javon Baker, UCF

- 6.180 -- DB Marcellus Dial, South Carolina

- 6.193 -- QB Joe Milton III, Tennessee
* Pick obtained from Jacksonville in Mac Jones trade.

- 7.231 -- TE Jaheim Bell, Florida State
* Pick obtained from Chicago in N'Keal Harry trade.

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Rabih Abdullah and other April 27 Birthdays​

Happy 49th birthday to Rabih Abdullah
Born April 27, 1975 in Martinsville, Virginia
Patriot RB, 2004; uniform #27
Signed as a veteran free agent on September 11, 2004

Rabih Abdullah went undrafted out of Lehigh, but made Tampa Bay's 1998 roster after rushing for 280 yards and two touchdowns in the preseason. He appeared in 83 NFL games and was a special teams standout, registering 90 career ST tackles. The Patriots signed Abdullah after he was released by Chicago as part of their final roster cuts. He was active for seven of the next eight games before being waived on November 22. The Pats re-signed him a month later, and he earned a ring in Super Bowl 39.

Abdullah scored one touchdown with the Patriots. On 10/10/2004 his one-yard TD rush gave the Pats a 24-7 lead midway through the third quarter against Dave Wannstedt and the Miami Dolphins. That game is most notable for being the day when Wes Welker caught Bill Belichick's attention. Pressed into extra duty due to an injury, Welker was the lone bright spot for Miami - with five kickoff returns (101 yards), five punt returns (41 yards), one tackle, 1-1 of field goals, 1-1 on extra points, and three good kickoffs.

Unfortunately for Abdullah he has had some legal troubles in his post-NFL life, with a DUI in 2004, followed by a 2006 arrest for DUI, gun and marijuana charges, and then a 2008 violation for driving on a suspended license.

Abdullah is one of just twelve people from Lehigh University to play in the NFL since 1950, and one of only two Lehigh Mountain Hawks to play in the Super Bowl.

Happy 64th birthday to Mike Kerrigan
Born April 27, 1960 in Chicago
Patriot QB, 1983-1984; uniform #19
Signed as an undrafted rookie on May 7, 1982

Mike Kerrigan was a three-year starter at Northwestern, and at that time ranked second as their all-time leading passer. The Pats signed him as an undrafted rookie in 1982, but after a preseason concussion he spent the year on IR. Kerrigan saw very little playing time, backing up Steve Grogan and Tony Eason on Ron Meyer's 1983 team, and Meyer/Raymond Berry's club in '84. His career stat line was 7/15 for 85 yards with no touchdowns and one interception, with the Pats going 1-1 in those games.

Kerrigan went on to have a successful career in the Canadian Football League. In his first season he led the Hamilton Tiger Cats to a 39-15 Grey Cup championship, despite entering the game as 12-point underdogs. Kerrigan played in three Grey Cups (winning two). He was a two-time CFL All-Star, and named the MVP of the 1986 Grey Cup.

Inside the most exciting game in CFL history

With 44 seconds left in the fourth frame, Mike Kerrigan threw a nine-yard TD pass to a leaping, twisting Tony Champion to help Hamilton create a 40-40 tie. Champion made that remarkable catch while shrugging off the extreme discomfort of broken ribs.​

​

Undaunted, Austin moved Saskatchewan into field-goal range, whereupon Dave Ridgway settled matters from 35 yards away with two seconds remaining in the greatest of all 104 Grey Cup games.​

Happy 36th birthday to John Hughes
Born April 27, 1988 in Columbus, Ohio
Patriot DT, 2016; uniform #94
Signed as a free agent on September 27, 2016

John Hughes was a third round pick by Cleveland in 2012, out of Cincinnati. The Browns released Hughes 18 months after signing him to a four-year, $14 million contract extension. On the Tuesday preceding week 4 of 2016 the Pats signed Hughes, to replace the roster spot vacated after releasing DL Anthony Johnson. Four days later Hughes was waived, to make room for TE Greg Scruggs. After that Hughes bounced around between Tampa, New Orleans and Buffalo. He finished his NFL career with 66 games played, with 55 of those (and all ten starts) coming during his time in Cleveland.

Happy 64th birthday to Ricky Williams
Born April 27, 1960 in Santa Monica
Patriot RB, 1983
Pats 9th round (233rd overall) selection of the 1983 draft, from Langston

The first of three NFL running backs named Ricky Williams never played for the Patriots, but did appear in three NFL games for the Raiders. It is a challenge to find much information on this Williams, due to his having the same name as the more well known former Miami Dolphin, going to an NAIA college in Oklahoma, and playing for such a brief period of time, pre-internet.

On a side note, Williams is one of eleven Langton Lions (undergrad enrollment: 1,800) to play in the NFL. Three were with the Patriots: Williams, RB Odell Lawson (1970-71) and WR Chad Ochocinco Johnson (2011). Langston was also where Dallas Cowboys LB Thomas 'Hollywood' Henderson went to school.

8/28/82: New Langston Coach Unsure What To Expect




Happy 83rd birthday to Lee Roy Jordan
Born April 27, 1941 in Excel, Alabama
Pats 2nd round (14th overall) selection of the 1961 AFL draft, from Alabama

Jordan also never played for the Patriots, but that is where his similarity to Williams ends. The five-time All Pro played middle linebacker in Dallas for 14 seasons. It is a mystery why the Pats wasted a second round pick on such a high profile player; a southern native who was obviously going to choose the NFL over an upstart low-budget cold weather AFL team.

Lee Roy Jordan’s storied performance in 1963 Orange Bowl sparked Alabama’s lone win over Oklahoma

Warm Weather Led Lee Roy Jordan to Cowboys
Alabama linebacker Lee Roy Jordan was the second first-round NFL Draft pick in Dallas Cowboys history. He had the choice of going to Dallas or Boston. It was a no-brainer, he said.

Lee Roy Jordan Lumber Company

​

Lee Roy Jordan leads the industry as one of the largest suppliers of Redwood and other fine specialty woods in eight states. A successful businessman and former Dallas Cowboy, Lee Roy Jordan's determination to be the best continues into the 21st century.​

​

In fourteen years as a Dallas Cowboy, Lee Roy Jordan competed in three Super Bowls, was named All-Pro twice and participated in the Pro Bowl four times. As a member of the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame, the National College Hall of Fame, and the Senior Bowl Hall of Fame, Lee Roy was also inducted into the Dallas Cowboy Ring of Honor in 1990. ​

After a successful career in football, Lee Roy purchased "Redwood Lumber Company of Dallas", the largest exclusive dealer of redwood in the southwest that began in 1952. In 1977, after the purchase, the name was changed to "Lee Roy Jordan Redwood Lumber Company". A proven leader in Redwood products, Lee Roy Jordan has maintained the quality and diversity for not only Redwood, but other specialty woods as well.​

Other pro football players born on April 27 with New England connections:

Ethan Brooks turns 52 (4/27/1972)
Brooks was born in Hartford, raised in Simsbury and is a graduate of Williams College in Amherst. The Falcons selected Ethan Brooks in the 7th round of the 1996 draft, and Atlanta converted him from DT to OT. Over nine years Brooks played with the Falcons, Rams, Cardinals, Ravens and Cowboys, appearing in 76 games with 26 starts. He returned to his alma mater where he now works as a strength and conditioning coach.

Great off-field story about Brooks from the Baltimore Sun, back in 2002:
Ravens' Brooks blocks pain, too


Emmett Cleary turns 34 (4/27/1990)
The offensive tackle was a BC Eagle, graduating in 2012. Over the next two years he spent offseasons with the Colts and Raiders, and was on the practice squad for the Bucs and Bengals. Cleary signed with the Giants in 2015, finally making it to an active roster in November. He played in 13 games for Dallas in 2016, and seven for Detroit in 2017.

Cleary retired in 2018 in order to attend Keck Medicine School at the University of Southern California. He graduated in 2022 and is currently training in Orthopedic Surgery residency at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN.

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Bum Knees 1st Rounder,
and the guy the Patriots traded Rocky Bleier for​

Happy 32nd birthday to Dominique Easley
Born April 28, 1992 on Staten Island
Patriot DT, 2014-15; uniform #74, #99
Pats 1st round (29th overall) selection of the 2014 draft, from Florida

The Pats took a gamble drafting Easley, who had torn both ACLs in college. He was an explosive player when healthy - but that was the whole issue. Easley missed five games in each of his two seasons in New England and was limited to 25% of the defensive snaps both years. Twelve days prior to the 2016 draft the Patriots waived Easley, on April 13, 2016.

Easley signed with the Rams and did not miss a game in 2016, but was available for just three games after that, his career ending after two season-ending stints on IR.

Happy 35th birthday to Kenjon Barber
Born April 28, 1989 in Lynwood, CA
Patriot RB, 2018; uniform #38
Signed as a free agent on Sept 11, 2018

Kenjon Barner was originally a sixth round draft pick by Carolina out of Notre Dame, in 2013. Like many late draft picks he has moved often; in his case signing with a new team nine times thus far. Unlike other bottom of the roster players Barber has twice been Special Teams Player of The Week, totaling 539 NFL special team snaps, 85 punt returns (7.4 avg) and 55 kickoff returns (23.5 yards per).

Barner was signed and cut three times by the Pats in 2018, appearing in 42 snaps over five games while rushing for 71 yards on 19 carries.

Kenjon Barner's biggest claim to fame is that he may be the only player who owns three Super Bowl rings with three different teams. Number one came with Philadelphia in Super Bowl 52 when he had three kick returns for 73 yards. Next was for being a member of the 2018 Patriots, when they won Super Bowl 53, and he received a third for being with Tampa in 2020.

A tip of the hat to anyone that remembers even just one of these former Patriots that were born on April 28:

Happy 43rd birthday to Christian Morton
Born April 28, 1981 in St Louis, Missouri
Patriot CB, 2004; uniform #25
Pats 7th round (233rd overall) selection of the 2004 draft, from Illinois

Staring in 2004 many Bill Belichick detractors shouted that BB was incapable of assessing defensive backs, and Morton was part of their evidence. In the hoodie's defense, Morton was an extremely late pick in the 2004 draft: the very last selection prior to supplemental picks. Regardless, Morton was lumped in with safeties Guss Scott and Dexter Reid as evidence that Belichick was a horrible GM by the naysayers. Morton never played a single down for the Pats other than in the preseason; the Pats cut him after training camp on September 5. From 2004 to 2009 he bounced around the league between Cleveland, Atlanta (twice), Washington (twice), Carolina, Denver and Tennessee. Christian Morton appeared in a total of 14 NFL games with one interception, four passes defensed and one fumble recovery.

8/18/04: Rookie Spotlight: CB Christian Morton | Patriots.com

​

Happy 67th birthday to Ken Hartley
Born April 28, 1957 in Hamilton, Bermuda
Patriot punter, 1981; uniform #7


Though he was born in Bermuda, Hartley was actually a local guy: he went to King Philip High School in Wrentham, and Dean Junior College in Franklin. In Ron Erhardt's final season as head coach for the Patriots the team had plenty of positions that needed an upgrade, and punter was no exception. The season began with Mike Hubach handling the duties, but after five games and a 38.2 yard average he was let go. Things got worse with Hartley, who lasted only two weeks. In his first game a partially blocked punt led to a touchdown in a 28-24 loss to the Jets. The following week against the Oilers Hartley punted for 50 yards - not an average, but a total for his two punts. Altogether Hartley had nine punts for 266 yards and a long of 41, averaging a paltry 29.6 yards per punt. Hartley was replaced by the best punter in pats history, Rich Camarillo, who brought stability and competence to the position over the next seven seasons. Hartley later spent two seasons with San Antonio in the USFL.

Happy 79th birthday to Phil Clark
Born April 28, 1945 in Burlington, Kentucky
Patriot safety, 1971; uniform #22

Clark is the answer to a trivia question asking what was the worst trade in the history of the Patriot franchise - which says quite a bit, considering the competition. On October 1, 1971 the Patriots traded RB Rocky Bleier to Pittsburgh for Clark, who had been benched as starter with both Dallas and Chicago in the previous two seasons. From Donald Hubbard's book, 100 Things Patriots Fans Should Know and Do Before They Die: Dynasty Edition, there is this explanation:

A Loyal Soldier​

One of the Patriots' worst trades may be their most obscure one. On October 1, 1971, they traded former Pittsburgh Steelers RB Rocky Bleier back to Pittsburgh for safety Phil Clark. Bleier, a rare modern professional athlete who fought in the Vietnam War, returned badly wounded from that conflict. As a Steeler, he gained thousands of yards and helped lead fellow back Franco Harris to even more. Clark played two games for the Patriots as his career ended that fall. Most likely the trade constituted a favor to Steelers owner Dan Rooney, who wanted to keep Bleier on the roster while he recovered from his war wounds.​

In his post-NFL career Clark became employed in the health field, focusing on non-traditional wellness.

Guided Meditation with Philip Clark




Happy 34th birthday to Jerel Worthy
Born April 28, 1990 in Dayton, Ohio
Patriot DE, 2014 offseason; uniform #97
Acquired for a conditional draft pick (not exercised) on Aug 13, 2014

Jerel Worthy was a 2nd round pick by Green Bay in 2012, but a bit of a draft bust. He started just four games (all as a rookie) while appearing in 40 NFL games over seven seasons, with five other NFL teams. The Pats waived Worthy after 17 days in training camp, prior to the start of the 2014 season.




One other NFL player with New England roots born on April 28:

Mark Bavaro turns 61 (born 4/28/1963)
The two-time All Pro tight end and two-time Super Bowl champ was born in Boston and grew up in Danvers. According to Bill Belichick, Bavaro belongs in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
A Rugby Player and other April 28 Draft Picks​

April 28, 1981:
46th Annual NFL Player Selection Meeting, aka
Day One of the 1981 NFL Draft, Rounds 1-6
Sheraton Hotel, New York City

New Orleans takes Heisman Trophy winning RB George Rogers first overall.
The Giants consolation pick is North Carolina LB Lawrence Taylor.

- 1.19 -- OT Brian Holloway, Stanford
- 2.47 -- RB Tony Collins, East Carolina
- In a dumb move the Pats had traded their third round pick in 1980, for over-the-hill RB Chuck Foreman.
- 4.102 - LB Don Blackmon, Tulsa
- 5.130 - DT Steve Clark, Kansas State
- 6.157 - G Ron Wooten, North Carolina




April 28, 1982:
47th Annual NFL Player Selection Meeting, aka
Day Two of the 1982 NFL Draft, Rounds 4-12
Sheraton Hotel, New York City

On Day One the Pats drafted DE Kenneth Sims, NT Lester Williams, RB Robert Weathers, LB Andre Tippett, OT Darryl Haley, WR Cedric Jones and LB Clayton Weishuhn.

- 4.185 -- DE George Crump, East Carolina
- 4.111 -- LB Brian Ingram, Tennessee (4th round, #111) [from trade previous day with SF]
- 5.112 -- S Fred Marion, Miami
- 6.141 -- DB/KR Ricky Smith, Alabama State
- 7.168 -- LB Jeff Roberts, Tulane
- 8.197 -- LB Ken Collins, Washington State
- 9.224 -- WR Kelvin Murdock, Troy State
- 10.253 - K Brian Clark, Florida
(11th round 1982 pick used to select WR Chy Davidson in 1981 supplemental draft)
- 11.296 - QB Steve Sandon, Northern Iowa [pick acquired in 8/31/81 Bill Currier trade to NYG]
- 12.308 - WR Greg Taylor, Virginia




April 28, 1987:
52nd Annual NFL Player Selection Meeting, aka
Day One of the 1987 NFL Draft, Rounds 1-7
Marriott Marquis, New York City

Vinny Testaverde was the first overall pick; Hall of Famer Ron Woodson went tenth to Pittsburgh.

- 1.23 -- OT Bruce Armstrong, Louisville
(2nd round pick sent to Bucs 2/19/87 in trade for LG Sean Farrell)
- 3.79 -- RB Bob Perryman, Michigan
- Pats traded down, sending 3.81 and 10.274 to the Raiders for 4.98 and 4.102
[3rd came in 1986 trade with Washington for WR Ricky Sanders, who the Pats had claimed as part of the USFL supplemental draft]
- 4.98 -- QB Rich Gannon, Delaware [from trade above]
- 4.102 - DB Derrick Beasley, Winston-Salem State [pick from Raiders trade]
- 4.107 - LB Tim Jordan, Wisconsin
- 5.113 - OT Danny Villa, Arizona State [trade with Tampa for 1986 6th]
- 5.116 - DE Tom Gibson, Northern Arizona ['86 trade with Chargers for Vencie Glenn]
- 6.163 - WR Gene Taylor, Fresno State
(7th round pick sent to Tampa as part of trade for Sean Farrell)




April 28, 2007:
72nd Annual NFL Player Selection Meeting, aka
Day One of the 2007 NFL Draft, Rounds 1-3
Radio City Music Hall, New York City

Oakland took draft bust JaMarcus Russell with the first overall pick.
The next two selections were Hall of Famers: WR Calvin Johnson and OT Joe Thomas.

[on 9/11/06 the Pats traded Deion Branch to Seattle for a 2007 first (1.24)]
- 1.24 -- S Brandon Meriweather, Miami
- Pats trade down, sending 1.28 to San Francisco for 4.110 and a 2008 first (1.7)

- [on 3/5/07 the Pats traded 2.60 and 7.238 to Miami for Wes Welker]

- Pats trade down, sending 3.91 to Oakland for 7.211 and a 2008 third (3.69)

Following the draft trades to their eventual selection, the net result of the Pats own three 2008 draft picks was Welker, Jerod Mayo, Shawn Crable, Matthew Slater and Ron Brace. While Meriweather was indeed a first round draft pick, he can also be viewed as what the Pats received in exchange for Deion Branch.




April 28, 2011:
76th Annual NFL Player Selection Meeting, aka
Day One of the 2011 NFL Draft, Round One
Radio City Music Hall, New York City

Cam Newton was the first overall pick of the draft.

- (Pats received 1.17 from Oakland in 2009 Richard Seymour trade)
- 1.17 -- OT Nate Solder, Colorado
- Pats trade down, sending 1.28 (Mark Ingram) to New Orleans for 2.56 and a 2012 first (1.27)




April 28, 2012:
77th Annual NFL Player Selection Meeting, aka
Day Three of the 2012 NFL Draft, Rounds 4-7
Radio City Music Hall, New York City

- (4.126: Pats had used their own 4th earlier in trade for Dont'a Hightower)
- Pats trade down, sending 5.163 to Green Bay for 6.197, 7.224 and 7.235
- (5.166: Pats had used their own 5th in 2011 trade with Cincinnati for Chad Ochocinco Johnson)
- 6.197 - S Nate Ebner, Ohio State
- (6.200: Pats had used their own 6th in 2010 trade with Philadelphia for LB Tracy White)
- 7.224 - CB Alfonzo Dennard, Nebraska
- 7.235 - WR Jeremy Ebert, Northwestern
- (7.238: Pats had used their own 7th in 2010 trade with KC for SS Jarrad Page)

Post-draft the Patriots signed some undrafted rookie free agents:
- Jeremiah Warren, an offensive lineman from South Florida.
- Markus Zusevics, an offensive lineman from Iowa.
- Brad Herman, a tight end from Iowa.




April 28, 2016:
81st Annual NFL Player Selection Meeting, aka
Day One of the 2016 NFL Draft, Round One
Auditorium Theatre, Chicago

Draft Pick stolen by the Flat Earth Society of Non-Science Believers residing at 345 Park Avenue, aka the NYJFL, that pretend the Ideal Gas Law does not exist.




April 28, 2017:
82nd Annual NFL Player Selection Meeting, aka
Day Two of the 2017 NFL Draft, Rounds 2-3
Philadelphia Museum of Art

- Pats previously traded down 8 spots, sending 2.64 to Carolina in exchange for DE Kony Ealy and 3.72 on March 11.
- Pats trade down 11 spots, sending 3.72 and 6.200 to Tennessee for 3.83 and 4.124
- 3.83 -- DE Derek Rivers, Youngstown State
- Pats trade up 11 spots, sending 3.96 (Kenny Golladay) and 4.124 to Detroit for 3.85
- 3.85 -- OT Antonio Garcia, Troy
- (Pats received 3.103 previously in 2016 Jamie Collins trade to Cleveland)
- (3.103 also sent to New Orleans in Brandin Cooks trade; 4.118 that the Pats would have received in that trade stolen by NFL)




April 28, 2018:
83rd Annual NFL Player Selection Meeting, aka
Day Three of the 2018 NFL Draft, Rounds 4-7
Jerry World, Arlington Texas

aka the 2018 DW Toys Trade-A-Rama

- (Pats had traded 2.51 to Chicago on previous day, for 4.105 and a 2019 2nd
- Pats trade down, sending 4.105 to Cleveland for 4.114 and 6.178
- Pats trade out, sending 4.114 to Detroit for a 2019 third (3.73)
- (4.117 previously used with 2.63 to trade up for Duke Dawson, at 2.56)
- (9/17/16: Pats traded 4.131 to Philadelphia for Eric Rowe)
- (4/03/18: Pats traded Brandin Cooks and 4.136 to Rams for 1.23 and 6.198)
- (received 5.143 previous day, along with Trent Brown from SF for 3.95)
- 5.143 -- LB Ja'Whaun Bentley, Purdue
- (3/14/18: Pats received 5.159 and Danny Shelton from Cleveland for a 2019 third)
- (3/19/18: Pats traded 5.159 to Oakland for Cordarrelle Patterson and 6.210)
- (9/02/17: Pats traded 5.168 and 7.250 to Seattle for Cassius Marsh)
- 6.178 -- LB Christian Sam, Arizona State
- Pats trade down, sending 6.198 to Kansas City for 7.233 and 7.243
- (3/15/18: Pats traded 6.205 traded to Cleveland for Jason McCourty)
- 6.210 -- WR Braxton Berrios, Miami
- 7.219 -- QB Danny Etling, LSU
Pats trade down, sending 7.233 to Philadelphia for 7.250 and a 2019 7th (7.239)
- 7.243 -- CB Keion Crossen, Western Carolina
- (8/29/17: Pats traded 7.249 to Cincinnati for Marquis Flowers)
- 7.250 -- TE Ryan Izzo, Florida State
- Top UDFA: CB J.C. Jackson, Maryland




April 28, 2022:
87th Annual NFL Player Selection Meeting, aka
Day One of the 2022 NFL Draft, Round One
Caesars Forum, Paradise Nevada

First player selected is Georgia DE Travon Walker, by Jacksonville.

- Pats trade down, sending 1.21 to KC for 1.29, 3.94 and 4.121 for 1.29
New England misses out on three Pro Bowlers: OT Tyler Smith, C Tyler Linderbaum and DE Jermaine Johnson.

- 1.29 -- G Cole Strange, Chattanooga




April 28, 2023:
88th Annual NFL Player Selection Meeting, aka
Day Two of the 2023 NFL Draft, Rounds 2-3
Union Station, Kansas City Missouri

On Day One the Pats traded down, then selected CB Christian Gonzalez.

- 2.46 -- DE Keion White, Georgia Tech

- Pats received a third round pick (3.76) from Carolina in a 2002 draft day trade.

- 3.76 -- LB Marte Mapu, Sacramento State

- Pats own third round pick (3.77) had been used in a 2022 trade with Miami for WR DeVante Parker.




April 28, 2024:
Post-draft, the Patriots sign some undrafted rookie free agents:

S Dell Pettus, Troy
CB Mikey Victor, Alabama State
DE/Edge John Morgan III, Pitt
C Charles Turner, LSU
OT Zuri Henry, Texas El-Paso
RB DeShawn Fenwick, Oregon State
CB Kaleb Ford-Dement, Texas State
TE Jacob Warren, Tennessee
LB Jontrey Hunter, Georgia State
LB Jett Bush, Texas

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Don Calhoun​

In memory of Don Calhoun, who would have been 72 today
Born April 29, 1952 in Sumner, Oklahoma
Died December 14, 2020 in Derby, Kansas at the age of 68
Patriot RB, 1975-1981; uniform #44
Signed as a veteran free agent on November 21, 1975

Don Calhoun was a teammate of Steve Grogan's at Kansas State, and drafted by the Bills in the tenth round (249th) in the 1974 draft. He may be the first in a long tradition of Buffalo castoffs to find success in Foxborough. After being relegated to nothing more than blocking for OJ Simpson in Buffalo, Calhoun's talents were much better utilized in New England. He became a vital part of the Chuck Fairbanks era Patriots that were robbed of a Lombardi Trophy, and set an NFL record for rushing yardage in a single season.

When called upon to fill in for Sam Cunningham or Andy Johnson, Calhoun delivered so well that fans lobbied for him to be given more playing time. He never once missed a game due to injury, and led the NFL with an incredible 5.6 yards per rush in 1976.

In a four week span at the end of the '76 season Calhoun came in off the bench and performed better than anyone could have reasonably asked for, with four consecutive 100-yard games. Over that time Calhoun carried the rock 93 times for a whopping 540 yards. He was a major factor in the six-game winning streak to end the season, with the Pats finishing 11-3. The Patriots were not only in the playoffs for the first time in 13 years, they were the best team in the league. Unfortunately Pats fans had to wait another quarter century for a championship thanks to Ben Dreith.

At the time Calhoun finished his playing days in New England he ranked third in franchise history in rushing yardage (he ranks 6th now), and third in rushing touchdowns (9th now). Calhoun's 4.1 yards per carry is second most in team history for a player with as many rushes (820) as he had.

Calhoun: One Tough Back - Kansas State University Athletics

Don Calhoun - Kansas Sports Hall of Fame

​

In memory of Sid Blanks, who would have been 84 today
Born April 29, 1940 in Del Rio, Texas
Died December 12, 2021 in Webster, Texas at the age of 81
Patriot HB, 1969-1970; uniform #22

As a Houston Oiler rookie in 1964, Sid Blanks led the AFL in rushing touchdowns and was an AFL All-Star, totaling 1,253. A knee injury forced him to miss the entire 1965 season and he was never the same after that. Sid caught on with the Pats as a backup and special teamer at the end of his career, appearing in all 28 games over those two seasons. Blanks' stat line with the Patriots while enduring two years of Clive Rush and John Mazur was 20 carries for 74 yards, and seven receptions for 65 yards.

One other pro football player born on this date with a New england connection:

Justin Cross turns 65 (born 4/29/1959)
Cross is a native of Portsmouth NH, and was an offensive tackle for the Bills from 1982-86; he later became a commercial airline pilot.

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
April 29 Drafts​

April 29, 1980: Day One (Rounds 1-6) of the NFL Draft, from the New York Sheraton Hotel in Manhattan

- 1.14 -- S Roland James, Tennessee
- 1.25 -- RB Vagus Feruson, Notre Dame [Pick acquired from Houston in Leon Gray trade, 8/15/79]
- 2.17 -- LB Larry McGrew, Southern Cal
- 3.73 -- DT Steve McMichael, Texas [waived in '81; went on to HoF career with the Bears]
- 4.98 -- [Pick traded away previous year to the Rams, for Harold Jackson, 8/16/78]
- 5.124 - DE Doug McDougald, Virginia Tech
- 6.154 - [Pick traded away to Cleveland on 2/7/80 for DE Mike St Clair, who was released 8/26/80]
- 6.160 - WR Preston Brown, Vanderbilt [Pick also acquired in Leon Gray trade]




April 29, 1981: Day Two (Rounds 6-12) of the NFL Draft, from the New York Sheraton Hotel

- 6.157 -- G Ron Wooten, North Carolina
- 7.185 -- WR Ken Toler, Ole Miss
- 8.194 -- K Ken Nabler, Stanford [Pick acquired from Saints in Sam Adams trade]
- 8.212 -- TE Lin Dawson, North Carolina State
- 9.240 -- [Pick traded to Detroit on 7/26/80 for LB Ed O'Neil; he was waived 8/26]
- 10.267 - [Pick traded to Cleveland 2/7/80 for DE Earnest Price; he signed with USFL Boston Breakers]
- 11.295 - QB Brian Buckley, Harvard
- 12.323 - S Cris Crissy, Princeton




April 29, 1986: Day One (Rounds 1-7) of the NFL Draft, from the New York Marriott Marquis

- 1.26 --- RB Reggie Dupard, Southern Methodist
- 2.42 --- DT Mike Ruth, Boston College [from 7/31/84 trade with Seattle for Bob Cryder]
- 2.54 --- S Vencie Glenn, Indiana State
- 3.82 --- [Pick forfeited as a penalty for the improper status of WR Derwin Williams on injured reserve in 1984]
- 4.109 -- TE Scott Gieselman, Boston College
- 5.137 -- G Greg Robinson, Sacramento State
- 6.165 -- [Pats trade out, sending pick to Tampa Bay for 1987 5th]
- 7.187 -- WR Ray McDonald, Florida [pick was part of 1983 Matt Cavanaugh trade to SF)
- 7.192 -- DE Brent Williams, Toledo




April 29, 1987: Day Two (Rounds 8-12) of the NFL Draft, from the New York Marriott Marquis

- 8.218 -- [Pick traded to KC for TE Willie Scott on 7/22/86]
- 9.246 -- [Pick traded to Tampa, along with 2.51 and 7.190 for LG Sean Farrell on 2/19/87]
- 10.274 - [Pick traded to San Francisco for 'past considerations']
- 11.302 - K Carlos Reveiz, Tennessee
- 12.330 - RB Elgin Davis, Central Florida




April 29, 2006: Day One (Rounds 1-3) of the NFL Draft, from Radio City Music Hall

- 1.21 -- RB Laurence Maroney, Minnesota
- Pats trade up, sending 2.52 and 3.75 to Green Bay for 2.36
- 2.36 -- WR Chad Jackson, Florida
[Green Bay used 2.52 on WR Greg Jennings, who went on to catch 571 passes for 8,291 yards and 64TD]
- 3.75 -- See Above
- 3.86 -- TE David Thomas, Texas




April 29, 2007: Day Two (Rounds 4-7) of the NFL Draft, from Radio City Music Hall

Fortunately the Patriots used picks to trade for Randy Moss and Wes Welker, because the rest of Day Two was putrid.

- 4.110 -- previously obtained from SF in first round trade down
- 4.110 -- traded to Oakland for WR Randy Moss
- 4.127 -- DT Kareem Brown, Miami
- 5.165 -- traded to Oakland for WR Doug Gabriel on 9/02/2006
- 5.171 -- compensatory pick awarded for loss of WR David Givens
- 5.171 -- OT Clint Oldenburg, Colorado State
- 6.180 -- received pick from Cardinals for RT Brandon Gorin on 8/21/2006
- 6.180 -- OLB Justin Rogers, Southern Methodist
- 6.202 -- CB Mike Richardson, Notre Dame
- 6.208 -- compensatory pick awarded for loss of K Adam Vinatieri
- 6.208 -- RB Justice Hairston, Central Connecticut
- 6.209 -- compensatory pick awarded for loss of RT Tom Ashworth
- 6.209 -- OT Corey Hilliard, Oklahoma State
- 7.211 -- received previous day, with 2008 third, from Oakland for 3.91
- 7.211 -- LB Oscar Lua, USC
- 7.238 -- traded along with 2.60 to Miami for WR Wes Welker
- 7.247 -- compensatory pick awarded for loss of Matt Chatham, Andre Davis, Christian Fauria and Tim Dwight
- 7.247 -- C Mike Elgin, Iowa




April 29, 2011: Day Two (Rounds 2-3) of the NFL Draft, from Radio City Music Hall

On Day One the Patriots used a pick obtained in the Richard Seymour trade to select OT Nate Solder, and then traded down from 1.28 with the Saints.

- 2.33 --- received this pick from Carolina in exchange for 2010 3.89 on 4/23/2010
- 2.33 --- CB Ras-I Dowling, Virginia
- 2.56 --- received this pick along with a 2012 first from New Orleans for 1.28 on the previous day
- 2.56 --- RB Shane Vereen, Cal
- 2.60 --- Pats trade down, sending 2.60 to Houston for 3.73 and 5.138
- 3.74 --- received this pick from Minnesota in exchange for Randy Moss and a 2012 7th on 10/06/2010
- 3.74 --- QB Ryan Mallett, Arkansas
- 3.92 --- Pats trade down, sending 3.92 and 4.125 to Oakland for 7.219 and a 2012 second round pick




April 29, 2016: Day Two (Rounds 2-3) of the NFL Draft, from the Auditorium Theatre in Chicago

The Pats first round pick was stolen by Roger Goodell and his goons who refused to believe in the science of the correlation between colder temperatures and air pressure.

- 2.60 --- CB Cyrus Jones, Alabama
- 2.61 --- Pats traded Chandler Jones to Arizona for 2.61 and G Jonathan Cooper on 3/15/2016
- 2.61 --- Pats trade down, sending 2.61 to New Orleans for 3.78 (Joe Thuney) and 4.112 (Malcolm Mitchell)
- 3.78 --- G Joe Thuney, North Carolina State
- 3.91 --- QB Jacoby Brissett, North Carolina State
- 3.96 --- compensatory pick awarded for loss of Darrelle Revis
- 3.96 --- DT Vincent Valentine, Nebraska




April 29, 2017: Day Three (Rounds 4-7) of the NFL Draft, from the Philadelphia Museum of Art

New England ended up with the fewest number of picks of any team in this draft, with just four. The first round pick was used on WR Brandin Cooks, and the second on DE Kony Ealy. On Day Two the Pats drafted DE Derek Rivers and OT Antonio Garcia, then traded down for a second time at the end of the third.

- 4.118 -- Pick stolen by the NYJFL for their refusal to learn the science of the Ideal Gas Law
- 4.124 -- Pats traded 4.124 to Detroit on the previous day in Pats trade up for OT Antonio Garcia
- 4.131 -- Obtained from Seattle in 2016 trade down
- 4.137 -- Pats traded 4.137 to Indy for TE Dwayne Allen and 6.200 on 3/09/2017
- 5.163 -- Pats traded 5.163 to Buffalo for RFA RB Mike Gillislee on 4/24/2017
- 5.175 -- Pats traded 5.175 to Cleveland for OLB Barkevious Mingo on 8/25/2016
- 5.183 -- Compensatory pick awarded to Pats for free agency loss of Akiem Hicks
- 5.183 -- Pats trade 5.183 to KC for TE James O'Shaughnessy and 6.216
- 6.211 -- Pats trade up, sending 6.216 and 7.239 to Dallas for 6.211
- 6.211 -- OT Conor McDermott, UCLA
- 6.215 -- Pats traded 6.215 to Detroit for LB Kyle Van Noy and 7.239 on 10/25/2016
- 7.239 -- See 6.211 and 6.215 trades
- 7.250 -- Pats traded 7.250 to Detroit for TE Michael Williams on 8/26/2015




April 29, 2019:
Patriots trade TE Jacob Hollister to Seattle for a 2019 seventh round pick (7.241)




April 29, 2021: Day One (Round One) of the NFL Draft, from North Coast Harbor, Cleveland

- 1.15 --- Mac Jones, Alabama
At the time it seemed like a gift that Jones slipped this far, especially after a season with Cam Newton at QB.




April 19, 2023: Day Three (Rounds 4-7) of the NFL Draft, from Union Station, Kansas City Missouri

Earlier the Patriots drafted CB Christian Gonzalez, DE Keion White and LB Marte Mapu

- 4.107 -- Pats traded RB Sony Michel to the Rams for a 2022 sixth and 4.107 on 8/25/2021
- 4.107 -- C Jake Andrews, Troy
- 4.112 -- Pats trade up, sending 4.120 and 6.184 to the Jets for 4.112
- 4.112 -- K Chad Ryland, Maryland
- 4.117 -- G Sidy Sow, Eastern Michigan
- 4.135 -- Compensatory pick awarded for free agency loss of CB JC Jackson
- 4.135 -- Pats trade down, sending 4.135 to the Raiders for 4.144 and 6.214
- 4.144 -- G Antonio Mafi, UCLA
- 5.148 -- Traded along with 2022 7.224 to Baltimore for CB Shaun Wade
- 6.184 -- Pats traded QB Jarrett Stidham and 7.231 to the Raiders for 6.184 on 5/13/22
- 6.184 -- used in Chad Ryland trade above
- 6.187 -- Pats traded CB Stephon Gilmore to Carolina for 6.187 on 10/06/2021
- 6.187 -- WR Kayshon Boutte, LSU
- 6.192 -- P Bryce Baringer, Michigan State
- 6.210 -- Compensatory pick awarded for free agency loss of OL Ted Karras
- 6.210 -- WR Demario Douglas, Liberty
- 6.214 -- CB Ameer Speed, Michigan State
- 7.245 -- Pats traded TE Jonnu Smith to Atlanta for 7.245 on 3/15/23
- 7.245 -- CB Isaiah Bolden, Jackson State