Sure he could have ….
But he didn’t
And Sony Michel did.
Belichick doesn't get *enough* credit for the Sony Michel pick. Their rb room was basically Rex burkhead and that's it. They needed a feature back who could run, catch, pass protect, and, oh yeah, be plug and play as a rookie.
Sony Michel did that, and they do not win in 2018 without him
Sony Michel played 6 years and was out of the league. Won 2 super bowls.
Nick Chubb also played 6 years. He's never won Jack ****.
Michel was pick 31. Not 3. He was brought in to win a super bowl. And did just that. Yeah, would have been great if he stayed healthy. That's football, man.
At that point in time the patriots were up against it with the cap every year, and were in pure win now mode because Brady was in his late 30s. If Antonio brown wasn't a psychopath, maybe they win that year too.
There's lots of things to criticize belichick for. Taking Sony Michel is not one one of them. Not even close.