How The New England Patriots Title Run Started In The Off-Season
By Erik Lambert
Feb 1, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; New England Patriots strong safety Malcolm Butler (21) intercepts a pass intended for Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Ricardo Lockette (83) in the fourth quarter in Super Bowl XLIX at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
NFL Draft
Bryan Stork
Finding contributors in the NFL draft is critical to both the present and future of the team. In terms of the entire 2014 class, the New England Patriots didn’t get much. However, mid round pick Bryan Stork became a major help for them on the offensive line, settling down their center position that had given them so many problems.
Undrafted Free Agency
Malcolm Butler
As important as the draft is, time and time again throughout each season it’s proven that undrafted free agency plays an enormous part in building championship rosters. This time it was the Patriots who struck gold, bringing in cornerback Malcolm Butler from West Alabama. He was little more than a solid reserve all season, until he was called on in the Super Bowl on the final drive of the game, during which he clinched the championship on perhaps the most memorable interception ever.
If there is a lesson to be learned from all of this, it’s that the entire off-season matters. Every signing. Every draft pick have to gear towards making the team better. The Patriots have the jewelry to prove it.