New England Patriots: How botched pick in 2020 draft set franchise back

The New England Patriots have a habit of missing on high draft picks and in 2020, they missed big on their 2nd round pick again. But, maybe not too big. Let’s take a look.

The Patriots missed a golden opportunity to select their quarterback of the future in the 2020 NFL Draft when hey passed on Jalen Hurts in the second round, which turns out to be a mistake given his rookie success with the Philadelphia Eagles.

In addition to that gaffe, Bill Belichick also missed on another player who produced big-time for the Indianapolis Colts in 2020 who was available to the Patriots at that same No. 37 pick in the second round last year.

That was Jonathan Taylor, a big back.

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Now, the Patriots did pick Kyle Dugger, who had a good first season at safety with 64 tackles and no interceptions. Dugger may emerge as a solid successor to Patrick Chung.

But, how much better could that pick have been? Let’s take a look.

A big back who excelled was passed up by the New England Patriots in 2020

So, let’s take a look at the big back who was touted in certain circles who absolutely crushed it as a rookie last season for Indy. It was Jonathan Taylor a back from Wisconsin who had an absolutely stellar year in 2020.

Taylor was selected with the No. 41 pick by Indianapolis while the Patriots selected Dugger at No. 37.

Question: who’s more important to a team, a safety or a running back?

Now, some of the Illuminati think that running back is an anachronism in the NFL. Really? Well, in short, let’s just say, not so much.

If you’d like to have a great passing attack, a really good running back gives you an option. And, if he can possibly catch a pass, he gives you another really good option.

If he can block, he provides another positive. Yet, some feel that running backs are anachronisms. Passe. NOT.

So, let’s look at Taylor, who was touted as a really good choice for the New England Patriots. In a previous pre-2020 draft article, it was reported that Taylor was a top possible priority option for the Patriots as a big back.

Taylor exceeded those expectations. For Indy in 2020, here’s what Taylor achieved. He gained 1169 yards and scored 11 touchdowns, 10 on the ground.

He also had a 5.0 yard average per carry. In short, he had a terrific rookie season.

New England’s running backs last season scored a sum total of 8 touchdowns on the ground. Oh, and why was that?

Simple, they couldn’t get the ball into the endzone.

Only Cam Newton, who had 11 on the ground could.

Apologists for the Patriots’ so-called “solid” running game, take note, they are not touchdown makers. And in addition, they are injured…a lot.

Taylor played in 15 games and started 13. He’s durable, productive, and, oh, by the way, a BIG BACK.

Next. Patriots: How Bill Belichick passed on future QB in 2020 NFL Draft. dark

The Patriots do not have that type of back. A BIG BACK. They haven’t one since the 2016 season. They need one. Now. If they don’t draft one or two they are missing the boat.

But, just remember, the boat sailed with No. 12 last season. So, let’s see if this iteration of personnel management can right the ship. Hope so. But it will be believed when it is seen.

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