Musket Fire
FanSided

New England Patriots: 2016 NFL Draft Do-Over

By Marcus Stanois

Sep 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Cyrus Jones (24) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Cardinals 23-21. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Cyrus Jones (24) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Cardinals 23-21. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 5
Next
Nov 13, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Chicago Bears running back Jordan Howard (24) runs with the ball against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Chicago Bears running back Jordan Howard (24) runs with the ball against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 4, Pick 112: RB Jordan Howard

Original Pick: WR Malcolm Mitchell

Beneath the shadow of Ezekiel Elliot, Chicago Bears’ fifth-round pick, Jordan Howard, was one of the league’s top rookie running backs in 2016. With LeGarrette Blount still unsigned heading into last year’s draft, the Indiana product would likely have taken over as New England’s lead back.

Howard played in 15 games as a rookie, rushing for 1,313 yards and six touchdowns. In addition, he had 29 grabs for 298 yards and one touchdown. In December, the rookie rusher was elected to his first Pro Bowl. Pro Football Focus gave Howard an 81.0 overall grade last season, PFF’s Brett Whitefield (@BrettWhitefield) wrote of the running back:

"“Howard was a big rookie surprise in 2016 as his 81.0 overall grade ranked seventh out of 62 eligible running backs, instantly making him one of the more promising young backs in the NFL.” – Brett Whitefield"

According to NESN’s Doug Kyed (@DougKyed), Howard was among the several prospects New England interviewed during the 2016 Scouting Combine.

Round 6, Pick 208: LB Elandon Roberts

Original Pick: S/LB Kamu Grugier-Hill

Early in the season, linebacker Elandon Roberts emerged as New England’s top rookie defender. The Patriots selected him with their second selection in the sixth round of the draft, a steal given his potential.

In his first season, Roberts played in 13 games, posting 45 tackles and one forced fumble. According to Pro Football Reference, the rookie linebacker played 25.9% of New England’s defensive snaps in 2016.

While at the University of Houston, Roberts finished his senior year with a conference-leading 88 solo tackles. His height of 5-foot-11 is less than ideal for a linebacker, although, he had no trouble knocking down Browns’ All-Pro left tackle, Joe Thomas.

Home/Patriots Draft