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A look at the Patriots history with the 14th pick in the NFL draft

By Matthew Burnett

ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: A video board displays the text "THE PICK IS IN" for the New England Patriots during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: A video board displays the text "THE PICK IS IN" for the New England Patriots during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /
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The NFL Draft is tonight! So finally, the wait is over to see who will join the Patriots.

Currently, the Patriots hold the 14th overall selection in the NFL Draft. This is not the first time they have held this pick.

Tonight marks the fifth time the Patriots will be selecting 14th overall. Here’s a look at the Patriots’ history with the 14th pick in the NFL Draft.

Leroy and Lee Roy

In 1962 Leroy Jackson, a running back out of Western Illinois, was selected. Oddly enough, the following year, in 1963, the Boston Patriots selected Lee Roy Jordan, a linebacker from Alabama.

But they never played a snap for the Patriots.

Instead, both Jackson and Jordan went off to play for other teams; specifically, Jackson played in Washington, and Jordan played in Dallas. Lee Roy Jordan went off to win a Super Bowl with Dallas, as Leroy Jackson’s short-lived career never took off.

Roland James

In 1980 the Patriots selected Roland James, a defensive back from the University of Tennessee. James stayed a Patriot his entire career playing a total of 145 games. During his career, he mainly lined up as a strong safety but, at times, was also used as a cornerback.

James’ presence was felt on the field from his rookie year to his final full season in New England. He never had a season without an interception. Even though he never ran back an interception for a touchdown, he did find the endzone scoring on a safety during the 1984 season.

At the end of his career, Roland James tallied 29 interceptions for 383 yards as well as causing five fumbles and recovering nine fumbles. Overall, Roland James had a successful career in New England.

Leonard Russell

Until tomorrow night (unless there’s a trade), the most recent player selected 14th by New England is Leonard Russell, a running back from Arizona State. Unfortunately, Russell only played in three seasons in a Patriots uniform.

During Russell’s rookie year, he nearly rushed for 1,000 yards starting in 15 of the 16 games played that season. It looked like the Patriots might’ve found a future running back until injuries derailed his sophomore season.

However, in his third and final season, Russell rushed for over 1,000 yards and seven touchdowns. Russell’s last season in New England was his best and an overall breakout year. He finished his Patriots career by appearing in 43 games, rushing for 2,437 yards and 13 touchdowns.

After his career in New England, Russell would become a journeyman with one-year stops in Denver, San Diego, and St. Louis.

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