Round 5- 163rd overall
Luckily for the Patriots, Minshew didn’t hear his name called until pick No. 178. The Washington St. product put together a strong rookie campaign with the abysmal Jacksonville Jaguars, completing 60.6% of his passes for 3,271 yards, 21 touchdowns, and six interceptions.
Bill Belichick might like Jarrett Stidham, but the Auburn product only attempted four passes last season. Meanwhile, Minshew proved he’s capable of putting together starting-caliber performances. While he isn’t New England’s quarterback of the future, Minshew gives the Patriots a viable backup to Tom Brady.
New Pick: Gardner Minshew, QB Washington St.
Round 7- 252nd overall
No one could’ve seen Stephen Gostkowski’s season-ending injury coming, but the former All-Pro needed surgery. He only played in four of New England’s games, and his injury left the team bouncing between Nick Folk, Kai Forbath, and Mike Nugent.
While McLaughlin didn’t have an outstanding rookie season, he began replacing the legendary Adam Vinatieri. A qualified kicker is good value late in the seventh-round.
New Pick: Chase McLaughlin, K Illinois
