New England Patriots: Top 10 Non-First Round Picks

Number 8: Matthew Slater

2008 NFL Draft, Round 5 Pick 153

You would think that putting a special teamer on the list would be a tough decision, but when that guy is a 5 time Pro Bowler and respected team captain that decision becomes a lot easier to make.

The Patriots selected Matt Slater out of UCLA in the 5th round of the 2008 NFL Draft after a swap with the Buccaneers. The same draft that netted the Patriots Jerod Mayo with the 10th pick in the first round.

Given Coach Belichick’s love of versatile players who can contribute in multiple ways, it didn’t come as a surprise to many when he decided to make the move for Slater in the 5th round.

Slater did it all at UCLA. He played both Wide Receiver and Defensive Back, and was one of the best special teams players in the country. In 2007, his final season at UCLA, he was the only player in the nation to return 3 kickoffs for touchdowns. You can bet that stuck out to Bill on draft day.

While Slater has not been the dynamic return man that he was in his final season in college, he has established himself as one of the best special teams players in the league because of his ability to fly down the field and make incredible open field tackles on both punts and kickoffs.

He has been selected to the Pro Bowl in 5 consecutive seasons now and that streak is sure to continue.

Slater is a valuable player on the field and off the field. He is the teams Player’s Union Representative, as well as a team captain, and is a major reason why the Patriots are able to maintain a solid locker room culture.

Next: 2002, Rd. 2 Pick 65