Best and Worst NFL Draft Picks for Each Team in the Past Decade

Feb 1, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) celebrates after a touchdown against the New England Patriots during the second quarter in Super Bowl XLIX at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

New England Patriots

Best Pick – Rob Gronkowski, TE, 42nd Overall in 2010

Rob Gronkowski is the best tight end in the NFL and there is no debate about it. He has persevered through multiple injuries, pushing through each setback to show he is one of the toughest player sin the game today. If Gronkowski can keep up his production through the final years of Tom Brady’s career, and manage to stay healthy post-Tom Brady, Gronk will find himself in Canton at the end of his career.

Tremendous value for a second round pick.

Other selections considered:

Vince Wilfork, DT, 21st Overall in 2004

Logan Mankins, OG, 32nd Overall in 2005

Jerod Mayo, LB, 10th Overall in 2008

Julian Edelman, WR, 232nd Overall in 2009

Devin McCourty, CB/S, 27th Overall in 2010

Worst Pick – Laurence Maroney, RB, 21st Overall in 2006

Anytime you pick a running back in the first round who fails to rush for even 900 yards in any season, you’re going to think about what else you could’ve done with that pick. Maroney missed substantial time during his run with the Patriots, and was traded to the Broncos during the 2010-11 season. The Broncos didn’t resign him at the end of that season, effectively ending his career with 2,504 yards over 5 season.

A rare miss for Belichick and the Patriots.

Other selections considered:

Brandon Meriweather, S, 24th Overall in 2007

Jermaine Cunningham, LB, 53rd Overall in 2010

Ras-I Dowling, CB, 33rd Overall in 2011