5 NFL draft picks that prove Bill Belichick's prowess as Patriots GM is waning
There is no doubt that Bill Belichick is one of the greatest head coaches in NFL history. He has won six Super Bowl rings with the New England Patriots, the most by any head coach of all time, and is quickly closing in on the record for career wins by any head coach.
Belichick also serves as the Patriots' general manager and is the head coach. Unfortunately, he isn't known to be quite as legendary as the director-general as he is as the head coach. He has made questionable roster decisions over the years, including several draft picks that were significant busts. Here are five of those picks that didn't work out the way Belichick had hoped.
5 NFL draft picks that demonstrate Bill Belichick's struggles as Patriots' general manager
#5 - Joejuan Williams - 2019 NFL Draft
The Patriots selected cornerback Joejuan Williams in the second round of the 2019 NFL with the 45th overall pick. The pick was widely considered a bit of a stretch in that spot in the draft, but Belichick and the Patriots went for it anyway.
Here’s the touchdown pass to Emmanuel Sanders. This is first-and-20. Joejuan Williams is the corner vs. Sanders and appears to be playing 1/4. Sanders - not exactly Tyreek Hill - just runs right past him. (Belichick benched Williams for the rest of the game on defense.) https://t.co/gAgARjpIHn
Over three seasons so far, Joejuan Williams has contributed barely any production in the Patriots' secondary. He has appeared in 36 games and has defended just eight passes while recording zero interceptions.
#4 - Laurence Maroney - 2006 NFL Draft
Laurence Maroney recorded 2,430 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns across four years with the Patriots. While the production was relatively solid, much more was expected of him when he was drafted with the 21st overall pick in the first round of the 2006 draft. He was supposed to be a game-changer but ended up being a role player.