Win Now, Development Secondary
On day three of the NFL Draft, the Patriots made their fifth round pick before the fourth rounder. In a draft deep at tight end, and with a handful still available on day three, New England sent their selection to the Kansas City Chiefs for James O’Shaughnessy and KC’s sixth round pick.
What does O’Shaughnessy bring to the table that Jake Butt, Jeremy Sprinkle or Jordan Leggett don’t? Two years and 23 games under his belt. O’Shaughnessy has done it while teams hope the prospects can bring it.
After seven rounds, the Patriots made selections with none of the picks they started the draft with. Before NFL commissioner Roger Goodell ever stepped onto the stage for the first time on Thursday night, New England had dealt their first, second, two fourth round picks and gave up a fifth round selection as compensation for signing restricted free agent RB Mike Gillislee.
All veteran players acquired with draft picks are expected to play a lot. Some might start. This team doesn’t have to depend on rookies.
Out of an average draft class, a championship contending team might select one immediate starter. If they’re lucky a second rounder contributes in his first year with a few more serving sporadic spot duty. New England wants more than a few mights.
It’s a far departure from previous Bill Belichick drafts. New England averaged nine selections during coach Belichick’s tenure with a high of 12 selections (2009, 2010) and a low of six (2002). Makes you wonder what happened to the real Belichick and who’s running the Patriots’ draft.
Seriously, Belichick knows what he’s doing. However many rookie free agents are added to the rookie class, Belichick and the coaches will have a roster of veterans that don’t need to be led by the hand. It’s a better way to spend limited practice time for a team with their eyes set on a sixth Lombardi Trophy.
It was an unexpectedly productive 2016 draft class. New England got a lot out of G Joe Thuney, WR Malcolm Mitchell, DT Vincent Valentine and LB Elandon Roberts.
The flipside was CB Cyrus Jones was eventually benched. QB Jacoby Brissett played two games only out of necessity. S Kamu Grugier-Hill was cut. WR Devin Lucien spent the season on the practice squad. Rookie free agent RB D.J. Foster saw action in just three games.
The rookie routine is streamlined in 2017. Just four draftees. The rookie free agents are coming soon. The Patriots Way 101 class won’t be big.
New England can take their time with the rookies. The Patriots need the veterans ready for 2017.
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