The Patriots’ biggest draft busts of the last 5 years

The Patriots’ biggest draft busts of the last 5 years

Sony Michel – RB

DRAFTED: 31st overall pick in 2018

STATS: 38 games – 535 carries for 2,292 yards, 14 touchdowns | 26 receptions, 258 yards, TD

When looking back at some of the bigger draft busts the Patriots have made over the years, Sony Michel is unlikely to be a guy you quickly think of, primarily because of his phenomenal rookie performance throughout the postseason in 2018.

However, much of the reason behind his label of a draft mistake leads us back to draft night.

Michel was presumed to be a decent running back for any team that selected him, but he wasn’t expected to go in the first round, which was the Patriots’ first mistake.  The most scrutinized part of the selection was Bill Belichick passing on taking a quarterback who very well could have been the Tom Brady replacement they were looking for.

Because New England took Michel, the Ravens then traded into the 32nd spot to take Lamar Jackson, a quarterback that impressed everyone in the Patriots’ organization during his visits with the team.

Regardless of your opinion of Jackson, his career in Baltimore has outlasted Michel’s in New England. The running back was traded to the Rams in late August of 2021 and has since been unable to find a permanent NFL home.

Much like the selection of N’Keal Harry, Michel will always be remembered for who was immediately picked after him, fully encapsulating his status as a draft mistake.