Backdraft: New England Patriots

BACKDRAFT SERIES: For 16 days leading up to the 2011 NFL Draft, we're rolling out capsule draft histories of each of the 32 NFL Teams.

 

Backdraft Series

Apr. 12 - Packers | Steelers

Apr. 13 - Bears | Jets

Apr. 14- Patriots | Falcons

Apr. 15- Ravens | Seahawks

Apr. 16- Saints | Eagles

Apr. 17- Colts | Chiefs

Apr. 18- Buccaneers | Giants

Apr. 19- Chargers | Raiders

Apr. 20- Jaguars | Dolphins

Apr. 21- Rams | Lions

Apr. 22- Vikings | Texans

Apr. 23- Redskins | Cowboys

Apr. 24- Titans | 49ers

Apr. 25- Browns | Cardinals

Apr. 26- Bengals | Bills

Apr. 27- Broncos | Panthers

2011 Draft Position:

• 28 and 17 (obtained through trade with Raiders)

First-Ever Draft Pick:

• Ron Burton, RB, Northwestern (1960 AFL). The AFL's first draft had a provision where each of the eight clubs received one "territorial" or "bonus" pick.

 

Most Recent Draft Pick:

• Zac Robinson, QB, Oklahoma State (7th round, 250th overall, in 2010)

 

Hall of Famers Drafted:

• Ron Mix – 1st Round, 1960 AFL Draft (Traded to San Diego. Also picked in 1st Round, 10th overall, of NFL Draft by Baltimore Colts.)
• Fran Tarkenton – 5th Round, of 1961 AFL Draft (also picked in 3rd Round, 29th overall, of NFL Draft by Minnesota Vikings)
• Nick Buoniconti – 13th Round (102nd overall), 1963 AFL Draft
• John Hannah – 1st Round (4th overall), 1973
• Mike Haynes – 1st Round (5th overall), 1976
• Andre Tippett – 2nd Round (41st overall), 1982

 

First Overall Pick in the NFL Draft:

1993 – Drew Bledsoe, QB, Washington State
1984 – Irving Fryar, WR, Nebraska
1982 – Kenneth Sims, DT, Texas
1971 – Jim Plunkett, QB, Stanford
1964 (AFL) – Jack Concannon, QB, Boston College
 

Jim Plunkett	Sam Cunningham	Tom Brady

Did you know?

The 2011 NFL Draft marks the 11th time in Patriots history that they've had multiple first-round picks. Twice the team has had three first round picks in the same draft year and each time the club was able to land a future Hall of Famer.

The first time came in 1973 when the Pats grabbed future Hall of Fame guard John Hannah out of Alabama with the fourth pick along with running back Sam Cunningham (11th overall) and wide receiver Darryl Stingley (19th overall). Three years later in 1976, Hall of Famer Mike Haynes was the club's top choice at the fifth spot followed by C Pete Brock and DB Tim Fox at 12th and 21st respectively.

 

Quotable:

"He's a good, tough quarterback who played at a high level of competition. We'll put him out there with everyone else and let him compete and see what happens."

That quote came from Patriots coach Bill Belichick after the team drafted Michigan quarterback Tom Brady in the sixth round, 199th overall, in 2000.

Brady was projected by most pre-draft reports to go in the third round.

"I don't think disappointment is the word," he replied after falling down the draft board. "Whether it's the second or sixth round, I think everyone starts on the same level."

 

Shop:

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Who in '11?

Post your comment with what the Patriots should do with their two first-round picks on April 28. Why?