The New England Patriots were on the clock during the second round of the 2014 draft. The Patriots were coming off a typical 12-4 season in which they advanced to the AFC title game before losing at Denver.
New England had needs on the defensive line, where it was getting old, and wide receiver, where it still lacked a potential No. 1. One of those needs, though, was not at quarterback where perennial All-Pro and some would say the greatest ever to play the position, Tom Brady, was ready to return for a 15th season.
So when it came time to make a selection with the 62nd overall pick, the Patriots went with.