The Triumph of Hope Over Draft Profile

Loved it when Bill Belichick reminded the pigskin pundits and bobbleheads in his post-Day 2 stand up the Patriots had already banked WR Brandin Cooks (and his 5th year option), DE Kony Ealy, TE Dwayne Allen and RB Mike Gillislee before Day 1 of the draft.

He didn't mention keeping QB Jimmy Garoppolo or CB Malcolm Butler; I know they were on the roster all along but somehow it seems like the Patriots acquired them from Cleveland and New Orleans, respectively, doesn't it?

Also loving the reaction to the Patriots 3rd round picks but I have to admit I'm caught off guard by a New England draft that doesn't get a C+ "Failed to work up to expectations" kind of grade.

Perhaps an even bigger surprise? Belichick didn't take a safety nobody ever heard of in the 3rd round this year.

Upside

As is usually the case (with the notable exception of the Chandler Jones Dont’a Hightower draft), Patriots Nation is hating on Bill Belichick like he was coming off back to back 5-11-0 seasons and traded away the pick that could’ve been Jadeveon Clowney or Sammy Watkins. If he’s so smart, how come he didn’t beat the Jets to Jace Amaro? Instead of a QB we hope never plays a snap for the next three years, why not more weapons for Brady like WR Jarvis Landry or faux TE Jace Amaro?

Maybe a better question is this: If all the haters are right, how does New England keep winning the AFC East and making a run at the Super Bowl year after year?