The Patriots have an odd recent history with fifth-round picks. Over the last 10 NFL drafts, New England hasn’t even made a selection in the fifth round on five occasions.
When the Patriots actually have picked in the fifth, Bill Belichick has taken two punters, a long snapper, a tight end, an offensive tackle, a linebacker, and a defensive lineman.
It’s a varied group that includes a major success story: Marcus Cannon. And going back even farther (to 2008), the fifth round is also where the Patriots found Matthew Slater; another successful — albeit unconventional — draft-day addition.