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Vote: Who was the best first-round pick in Patriots history? 04.15.11 at 12:35 am ET
By Christopher Price

John Hannah (left) seen here in 2005, was the first player in franchise history to be elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. (AP)

With the NFL draft on the horizon, we’re going to look back at the Patriots’ best draft picks by round. We’ve already put the eighth through the second rounders in the spotlight. Now, we’ve got the best of the first round, a group with two Hall of Famers are two others who will almost surely get some consideration for Canton down the road. Vote for your favorite:

Mike Haynes: 1976, fifth overall. The Arizona State alum played in New England from 1976 until 1982 before ending up in Los Angeles with the Raiders, but while with the Patriots, he made his mark as one of the best young corners and return men in the game. A six-time Pro Bowler, he has 28 career picks (sixth in franchise history), including eight as a rookie. He was twice named an All-Pro, named to the Patriots All-Time Team in 2009 and was the second Patriots’ player in franchise history elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame — he received the honor in 1997.

John Hannah: 1973, fourth overall. Accorded as the best offensive lineman in the history of the game, the Alabama product spent his entire 13-year career with the Patriots, and was the first player in franchise history inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Named to nine Pro Bowls, the guard helped power an offensive line that helped set an NFL record with 3,165 rushing yards in 1978 — still an NFL record. Small wonder he was a 10-time All-Pro who was named to the Patriots All-Time Team in 2009.

Ty Law: 1995, 23rd overall. A five-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro, this corner out of Michigan was named to the Patriots’ All-Time Team in 2009 after a career where he set the franchise record for most career interceptions (36), including nine in 1998. In addition, he holds team records for most interception return yardage (583), most interceptions for a touchdown for a career (six) and in a season (two). He departed following the 2004 season, playing two seasons with the Jets, two with Kansas City and one with Denver, but his part as a three-time Super Bowl Champion while with New England will always endear him to Patriots’ fans. (His 11 career picks of Colts quarterback Peyton Manning probably don’t hurt either.)

Vince Wilfork: 2004, 21st overall. The three-time Pro Bowler, this Miami product has made his mark in New England as a leader, both on and off the field. His numbers aren’t especially overwhelming, but his ability to occupy two blockers on the nose and his versatility — he kicked out to defensive end several times over the last year — have made him an absolutely vital force along New England’s defensive line. A three-time team captain, he is perhaps the most respected voice in the Patriots’ locker room.

Vote: Who was the best first-round pick in Patriots history?

View Results

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Just missing the cut: Devin McCourty (2010, 27th overall); Logan Mankins (2005, 32nd overall); Jerod Mayo (2008, 10th overall); Richard Seymour (2001, sixth overall); Willie McGinest (1994, fourth overall); Drew Bledsoe (1993, first overall); Ray Clayborn (1977, 16th overall); Stanley Morgan (1977, 25th overall); Pete Brock (1976, 12th overall); Tim Fox (1976, 21st overall); Russ Francis (1975, 16th overall); Sam Cunningham (1973, 11th overall); Jim Plunkett (1971, first overall).

Read More: 2011 NFL Draft, John Hannah, Mike Haynes, Ty Law Print  |  Bark It Up!  |  Digg It
  • http://Enteryourwebsite... Mike W

    How can Ty Law and Vince Wilfork be on this list ahead of Drew Bledsoe? I love both those players, but how often does the 1st overall pick actually live up to the hype? Not only did Bledsoe put up Hall of Fame numbers, he rescued this franchise from a disinterested fan base and Buffalo Bills type irrelevance in the league. And when Brady played Gehrig to Bledsoe’s Wally Pipp, he handled it with class and dignity and did whatever it took to help the team win.
    None of which really matters for the sake of this poll, John Hannah is far and away the best 1st rd pick the Pats made… I just think Bledsoe doesn’t get enough respect in this area.

  • http://www.patspulpit.com Rich Hill

    I voted for John Hannah, but I’m surprised that Mike Haynes is so far behind. I gave Hannah the nod because he was with the Patriots his whole career. Haynes went to the Raiders.

    I would definitely put Bledsoe over Wilfork, though. Also, not even a mention of Bruce Armstrong?

  • http://isportsweb.com Steve

    Went with Hannah, Haynes was great and a worthy HOFer, but at the time of his retirement, Hannah was considered the best OL in history, except by the guys at CHFF! LOL

  • Marcus

    Seymour should be a hall of famer ant some time in the future, he was the key on the defences that won the super bowl, routinely beating double teams and taking on a hell of a lot of block, freeing up space for Bruschi, McGinest ect.

  • ken

    The drafting of Richard Seymour marked a turning point for the Patriots.
    3 rings in 4 tries says a lot. However without Seymour the Patriots have fallen some what.

  • level4

    John Hannah easily. But why no love for Seymour as others pointed out? The guy was an animal and was one of the top players at any position in the league during SB run.

  • Billy Sullivan

    You should have had more choices for this selection. And you should have had Bledsoe over Ty Law…

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