NFL: 30 of the biggest what-ifs in NFL history

NFL: 30 of the biggest what-ifs in NFL history: 1. Let’s see how good the Patriots really are

Drafting in the NFL has a bit of luck to it. Sure there are plenty of hours spent breaking down college game tape, speaking to coaches and predicting how said player will perform under your system but all in all, a bit of luck is needed.

The New England Patriots had Tom Brady fall right into their lap in the 2001 NFL Draft. After showing off the most unintimidating physique in combine history, Brady slipped all the way to the sixth round and the 199th pick. Figuring that they had nothing to lose by taking a chance on him with such a low selection, the Patriots grabbed him.

The rest has been history.

With six Super Bowl rings with the franchise and seven for himself, Brady is widely considered as the greatest player in NFL history. And more than anything, the Patriots have reaped several perks from his services. By and large, the Patriots are viewed as the “model franchise” and coach Bill Belichick is often praised as the greatest coach ever although he failed in his previous stop in Cleveland and hasn’t looked like the greatest headman ever since Brady departed.

What would’ve happened if someone else took Brady. Who? Anyone. What would’ve happened? In all likelihood, Brady would eventually step onto the field and lead that team to ridiculous success but what about the Patriots? Would they still be considered a “model franchise?” Would Belichick hold numerous coaching records? Candidly speaking, of course not.

While the Lombardi trophies sitting in the window of Gillette Stadium may look pristine, remember, it was Brady who brought them every single one of them. The Patriots have been around since 1960 and before Brady and so far after him, they have failed to produce a championship winner.

As for Brady, he continues to win wherever he goes. In our ultimate what-if scenario, we pose you with a simple question. Would the Patriots be a truly great franchise if they hadn’t lucked up and grabbed Brady? Or would they be known as a bottom-feeding cellar dweller? We think you know the answer to that one.