Chowder and Champions
Fansided

New England Patriots: Top 10 Non-First Round Picks

By Jamie Gallagher

Oct 18, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick (right) with owner Robert Kraft before the NFL game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 18, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick (right) with owner Robert Kraft before the NFL game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
9 of 11
Next
new england patriots
ApMandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

Number 3: Matt Light

2001 NFL Draft, Round 2 Pick 48

Maybe it was a coincidence that Bill Belichick drafted the Left Tackle who would end up protecting Brady for the next 11 years, right before Tom took over as the starter in 2001. Maybe it was a coincidence, but I think otherwise.

Matt Light was selected with the 48th overall pick in the 2001 draft. In his rookie season Matt took over as the starting Left Tackle and helped lead the Patriots to their first ever Super Bowl victory.

A 3 time Pro Bowler, an All Pro, 3 time Super Bowl Champion, and 11 year starter, Light is without a doubt the best Left Tackle Tom Brady has the pleasure of dropping back behind. And to go even further, other than Logan Mankins, Matt Light is arguably the best offensive lineman the Patriots have drafted in the history of the franchise.

Light protected the blind side of the best Quarterback in the history of the NFL for 11 consecutive seasons. He was a major reason why the team was able to win 3 Super Bowls in 4 years, and a major reason why Brady was able to stay upright and develop into the greatest Quarterback of all time. That deserves some recognition.

Left Tackle is one of the hardest positions in the NFL to play and succeed at. You are constantly faced with the challenge of going up against the opponents best pass rushers, and you are responsible for protecting the most valuable player on the team in the Quarterback. Matt Light made it look easy. He is an all time Patriot great and deserves to be ranked high on our list.

Next: 2002, Rd. 2 Pick 42

Home/Boston Sports