#1 – Patriots Draft Class of 1976
The Big Daddy of them all, this is the Gold Standard that all drafts will be measured against. Once again Fairbanks showed his skill at recognizing and developing players that would go on to have long productive careers. His first pick Michael Haynes is a member of the Patriots and the Pro Football Halls of Fame.
Mike Haynes, DB, Arizona State, 1st round 5th Overall:
Haynes was a tall 6’2, 195-pound cornerback that was a shut-down corner and an outstanding kick returner for the Patriots. In seven seasons in a Patriots uniform, Haynes was named to the Pro Bowl six times and had 28 interceptions (6th all-time).
He played in 90 games with 86 starts for the Patriots. Haynes was the first Patriot to return a punt for a touchdown and is currently fourth on the Patriots all-time punt return list with 111 returns for 1,159 yards and two touchdowns. Haynes is also a member of the College Hall of Fame as well. He left after the 1982 season and played 7 seasons with the Oakland Raiders.
Pete Brock, C, Colorado, 1st round 12th Overall:
Pete ‘Deep Threat’ Brock was one of the most versatile offensive linemen to ever wear a Patriots uniform. He once played left tackle, long-snapper, tight end and H-back for the Patriots ….in the same offensive series.
Brock was a player the coaches love and would plug and play anywhere where he was needed. He started at center 78 times, left guard 3 times, left tackle 6 times and at right guard once in the 154 regular season games for the Patriots.
Brock was a key cog on the offensive line when the Patriots were building a juggernaut of a running game, in 1976 with 2,948 yards with an outstanding 5.0 average yards per rush and 24 rushing touchdowns. As well as the 1978 team that set the standard for rushing with 3165 yards. His nickname was for his sliding out and catching a 6-yard touchdown pass from Steve Grogan against the Jets in his rookie year.
Tim Fox, DB, Ohio State, 1st round 21st overall:
Fox was an outstanding safety that played for the Patriots for six seasons (1976-81), before leaving for San Diego and the Rams.
He played six seasons in New England and appeared and started in all 91 regular season games at safety. Fox had 17 interceptions (14th all-time) for 215 yards, recovered seven fumbles, four sacks, blocked an extra point against Green Bay in 1979, and recorded a safety against the Bills in 1978.
He was selected to the 1980 AFC Pro Bowl, and was selected as a member of the Patriots All-70s team.
Honorable Mentions: 1988 and 1993 Draft Classes
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A former US Army Special Forces NCO and Officer, Steve has been following the Patriots since their days at Fenway Park. Steve has worked in the film industry and wrote as an Military Editor at SpecialOperations.com, 1945.com as a reporter for the Millbury Daily Voice, Millbury-Sutton Chronicle, and the Grafton News. He's also a member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA)
