New England Patriots: Tom Brady Factor Must Drive 2011 NFL Draft Strategy

March 26, 2011   ·   Matt Strobl   ·   Jump to comments

When the New England Patriots drafted Tom Brady in the sixth round of the 2000 draft, there was no way of knowing what he would become.  At the time, it was just another late-round pick spent on a guy who might pan out, but could just as easily be out the league in short order.
The Pats obviously saw something they liked, and perhaps entertained hopes of getting a quality backup for Drew Bledsoe.  Instead, they stumbled upon one the best quarterbacks in recent history.
But Brady will be 34 before next season begins.  Assuming there is a season.  He's had major knee surgery, and is currently recovering from a procedure to repair a fractured foot.  Every dynastic run has a shelf life, and New England's opportunity to win with Brady at the helm will likely come to an end sometime in the next few years.  That knowledge has to drive the team's draft strategy in 2011.
The Patriots have been one of the best regular season teams in the NFL over...

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