Ahead of the 2021 NFL Draft, let’s revisit Bill Belichick’s best picks for the Patriots since he took over as head coach in 2000.
There are three primary measurements we took into account when compiling this:
• Impact: both on (performance) and off (leadership) the field. Production is the most important aspect, but character and leadership also figure into the equation. Many of the players on this list, regardless of where they were drafted, are (or were) cornerstones of the franchise who made big plays in big games. That’s no coincidence.
• Overall draft value: Some late-round picks are higher on the list than first-rounders because it says something about a late-round pick if he exceeds expectations.