In 2017, Bill Belichick and the front office had only four draft picks to work with. In this draft came two players that have been a vital piece to their defensive rotation that won a Super Bowl. This draft also shows that even Belichick can have trouble finding offensive linemen, just like every team in the NFL.
Rd 3, pick 83:
Derek Rivers (DE, Youngstown State)
Grade: B+
Although Derek Rivers does not get a lot of playing time in New England, he is a very serviceable backup. He is a tremendous run stopper at defensive end, and he is physically gifted. Rivers is extremely athletic for a defensive end. He is fast, strong, and agile for a 6-foot-5, 250-pound man. Although his finesse work to get to the quarterback is lackluster, his potential is great. Rivers is only 25, and the team is filled with talented ends such as Lawerence Guy, John Simon, Deatrich Wise, and Chase Winovich. Rivers is still a tremendous talent, and when given playing time as a rotational piece he has shined.
Rd 3, pick 85:
Antonio Garcia (T, Troy)
Grade: F
Antonio Garcia could have been very useful for an offensive line that would be considered one of the worst in 2019. However, Garcia did not live up to the potential many thought he would have. Garcia only lasted one year with the team, and he saw no playing time. Even with injuries, Garcia could not find playing time. He would later go through multiple teams before finding himself as a practice squad member. What seemed like a great pick for the Patriots turned into a waste. Players such as defensive back Shaquil Griffin, running back Kareem Hunt, or receiver Kenny Golladay could have been selected.
Rd 4, pick 131:
Deatrich Wise (DE, Arkansas)
Grade: A-
Although Deatrich Wise rarely starts, he is capable of being a starter. One of the best defensive ends in the league to come off the bench, Wise is a tremendous pass rusher for New England, as he has accumulated 11.5 sacks in three years. Wise can easily get to a quarterback as he is very good at getting through the offensive line. He is not the fastest end on the team, but he is one of the best at getting to the quarterback. It would not be surprising if Wise sees himself as one of the starters by the end of the 2020 season.
Rd 6, pick 211:
Conor McDermott (T, UCLA)
Grade: D-
McDermott is another offensive tackle taken by Bill Belichick in the 2017 draft that did not help the team. Before the regular season started, McDermott found himself on waivers, and he would be signed to the Bills. Just like Garcia, McDermott could have been helpful for an injury-riddled offensive line in New England. However, he found himself on the Bills for the following two years. He is currently with the New York Jets, getting two starts for a rebuilding team. The Patriots would pass themselves up on wide receiver David Moore or running back Chris Carson.
