If you want to understand what’s wrong with the Carolina Panthers, which finished 2-14, you might want to look at their draft day deal with the Patriots in the 2010 NFL Draft.
The Patriots dealt their third round pick, 89th overall, to the Panthers, which chose Appalacian State quarterback Armanti Edwards, whom the Panthers wanted to make a wide receiver.
He didn’t make a catch in only one appearance. Wow! Talk about a waste.
So Belichick and the Patriots moved up to the 33rd pick overall, the first pick of the second round, in return for Edwards.
Is there a wonder that there are problems in Carolina?
Looking ahead … way ahead … it will be an interesting NFL Draft for the Patriots this April.
With the Oakland Raiders finishing 8-8 and the Patriots owning their first-round pick in the trade for Richard Seymour, the Pats know they will have the 17th pick of the first round.
Here are some of the recent 17th gems of the first round:
2009: Josh Freeman, quarterback, Buccanneers
2007: Michael Griffin, safety, Titans
The Patriots next pick in the first round — and placement for all of the other rounds — has yet to be determined. If Pats win Super Bowl they will draft 32nd in each round.
As for extra picks, the Patriots have the Panthers pick, 33rd overall,
The Pats also have their own pick in the second round, which is expected to be near the 32nd spot they are slated with now with the best record in the NFL.
In the third round the Patriots get the 74th pick overall, the 10th selection of the third round from the Minnesota Vikings for Randy Moss, as well as their own pick.
While people laud Belichick’s ability to coach, his work in the acquisition of draft picks might be on a par with his ability to coach.
