Belichick's 18 first-round NFL Draft picks, ranked
Bill Belichick's draft history has been hit and miss, but with the Patriots in possession of the 15th pick in Round 1 of the 2021 NFL Draft, expectations are that the team can land a franchise-type player.We rank all of the first-round picks during Bill Belichick's Patriots tenure.
Easley lasted only two seasons (22 total games) with the Patriots before he was released in April 2016. He showed glimpses of potential, but knee injuries plagued the Florida product throughout his brief career and forced him out of the league in 2018.
So far, the N'Keal Harry selection has been one of Bill Belichick's biggest Draft disappointments. Especially when you consider Harry was drafted ahead of wideouts like DK Metcalf, Deebo Samuel, and AJ Brown.
Harry didn't make much of a leap in Year 2 of his career. He caught 33 passes for 309 yards and two touchdowns in 14 games. Those numbers certainly aren't enough to warrant a first-round pick.
The best ability is availability, and Isaiah Wynn has struggled in that department through his first three NFL seasons. He missed his entire rookie campaign due to a torn Achilles, played in only eight games in 2019 due to a toe injury, then a knee injury sidelined him for six games in 2020. The talent is there, but Wynn needs to find a way to stay on the field if he's ever going to warrant a first-round selection.
Maroney was the second running back taken in the 2006 NFL Draft behind Reggie Bush. He only had three healthy seasons with the Patriots, his best coming in 2007 when he had 185 carries for 835 yards and six touchdowns. He was an even bigger factor in the playoffs as he registered 244 rushing yards and two touchdowns in two games en route to Super Bowl XLII. Unfortunately for Bill Belichick and Co., this pick will go down in the books as another miss.
Brown was a solid presence on the Patriots' defensive line for four seasons, helping New England to two Super Bowl titles along the way. He was let go by the team in 2018 and has spent the last two years with the New Orleans Saints. Last week, Brown was traded from the Saints to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Like his former Georgia teammate Isaiah Wynn, Michel has yet to live up to his first-round draft spot with the Patriots. He missed seven games last season -- which many considered to be a make-or-break year for the 26-year-old -- due to a quad injury. He regressed in Year 2 of his career after a solid rookie campaign. So far, Michel hasn't done anything to help Pats fans forget he was taken one pick ahead of Ravens QB Lamar Jackson.
Graham was a serviceable player during his five years in Foxboro. The Colorado product had 120 receptions for 1,393 yards and 17 touchdowns in 63 games with the Patriots and was a part of two Super Bowl championships. He just didn't quite return the value of the 21st overall pick.
Meriweather racked up 12 interceptions during his four-year Patriots tenure and was named to two Pro Bowls. After New England released him in 2011, Meriweather struggled to stay on the field. The Miami product was widely considered a dirty player for some questionable hits during his NFL career.
Watson's career numbers won't blow anyone away, but he was a steady contributor for the Patriots during his first six seasons in New England as well as his second stint with the team in 2019. He'll forever be remembered for the incredible tackle he made on Denver Broncos DB Champ Bailey during a Divisional Round showdown.
Solder never became the star the Patriots hoped he'd be when they drafted him at No. 17 overall, but he was a rock-solid protector of Tom Brady for seven years in New England. He helped the Pats on the road to four Super Bowl appearances (two wins).
Warren is one of the more underrated defensive players of the Patriots' dynasty. Before injuries derailed his career, Warren enjoyed seven productive seasons in New England and earned two Super Bowl rings in the process. His best season came in 2007 when he was named First-Team All-Pro with four sacks and three forced fumbles to go with 53 tackles.
Mayo spent his entire eight-year NFL career in New England and was a staple for Bill Belichick's defense. He was a two-time Pro Bowler and the 2008 Defensive Rookie of the Year. He also was a team captain from 2009-12.
While injuries dampened his career and prevented him from playing in two Super Bowls, Mayo's efforts shouldn't be overlooked.
Jones would be higher on this list had his Patriots career not ended abruptly after four seasons. In 55 games with the Patriots, the three-time Pro Bowler recorded 36 sacks, 10 forced fumbles, and an interception. He went on to be even better with Arizona with 61 sacks and 17 forced fumbles in 69 games.
Hightower's importance to the Patriots cannot be overstated. The two-time Pro Bowler has come up clutch time and time again in the playoffs. His tackle on Marshawn Lynch at the one-yard line took place right before Malcolm Butler's game-clinching interception vs. the Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX. His strip-sack of Matt Ryan in the fourth quarter of Super Bowl LI vs. the Falcons sparked the Patriots' historic comeback. When New England needs a big play, Hightower always seems to step up.
It's crazy to think Mankins is one of the few players on this list to have never won a Super Bowl in New England. He was one of the best guards in football throughout his tenure with the Patriots, making seven Pro Bowls and one All-Pro team during his 11-year NFL career.
McCourty has been an integral part of the Patriots roster for the last decade. While he's one of the most talented and versatile players on the Pats defense, his leadership might be his greatest trait. McCourty has been a team captain for the last 10 seasons and a valued presence in the locker room. A two-time Pro Bowler and three-time Super Bowl champion, McCourty will go down as one of the best defensive backs in Pats history.
If you want to put Wilfork in the number one spot, we won't argue. The big nose tackle spent 11 years in New England, helping the Patriots win two Super Bowl titles while being named to five Pro Bowls and earning one All-Pro nod. He ended his Patriots tenure with 16 sacks, 352 tackles, and five forced fumbles. Bill Belichick once called Wilfork the "best defensive lineman" he has ever coached.
Another Patriots legend, Seymour was inducted into the team's Hall of Fame last year. Next stop, Canton?
Seymour has been a Pro Football Hall of Fame finalist for the last three years and will get another shot at an induction in 2022. He was a huge part of the beginning of the Pats dynasty, helping New England to three Super Bowls in his eight-year tenure. Seymour was named to four Pro Bowls and also was a three-time First-Team All-Pro.
He goes down as Belichick's best first-round pick ever.
