Ranking the Patriots Last 10 First-Round Picks, Worst to Best

3. Sony Michel

The second of New England's two first rounders in 2018, the Patriots doubled up on Georgia Bulldogs products after the aforementioned tackle Isaiah Wynn was taken with the 23rd overall pick. New England selected running back Sony Michel with their 31st overall pick, looking to upgrade an explosive offense at tailback.

Michel earned his place on this list almost exclusively based off of his playoff performance on New England's way to their Super Bowl LIII title. The rookie ran for six touchdowns in three postseason games, was the leading rusher in the Super Bowl, and scored the game's only touchdown. Only Terrell Davis has rushed for more scores in a single postseason.

Michel led the team in both rushing yards and touchdowns the following season, but an injury at the beginning of the 2020 campaign opened the door for Damien Harris. After three years in New England, he was traded to the Los Angeles Rams for a fifth and sixth round pick in August 2021. Michel would capture another Super Bowl ring with the Rams. He retired at 28 years old in July 2023.

The 2018 draft has often been revisited by Patriots fans following Tom Brady's departure, as New England was linked to now two-time MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson prior to the draft but passed on him with both of the first rounders. Jackson was taken with the very next pick after Michel. Some fans will always contend that the Patriots drafted the wrong Georgia running back in that draft (Michel's teammate and four-time Pro Bowler Nick Chubb went three picks later to the Cleveland Browns), but Michel's contributions to that Super Bowl LIII run is enough to earn him third on this list. Let's be real, the competition on this list isn't great either.