2017 NFL Draft: Beginning of The End For The Brady Era Patriots

[Ed Monix]

Fresh from the greatest comeback in NFL history (Super Bowl LI), New England were going into an integral transition period.

The following important players would depart:

- Martellus Bennett (TE)
- LeGarrette Blount (RB)
- Chris Long (DE)
- Logan Ryan (CB)
- Sebastian Vollmer (OT)
- Rob Ninkovich (OLB)

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Patriots - 2017 Draft

- They traded 32nd pick for Brandin Cooks (WR)...Dion Dawkins (OT), Alvin Kamara (RB), Cooper Kupp (WR) were available.

- Selected Derek Rivers (DE) with 83rd pick...Chris Goodwin (WR) was selected next.

- 103rd pick was also traded for Cooks...Trey Hendrickson (DE) was selected by New Orleans.

- Patriots traded the 137th pick for Dwayne Allen (TE) & the 200th pick...George Kittle (TE) was available.

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Although the Patriots would go on to make the two more Super Bowl's (1 win & 1 loss), the team was running on fumes. The Patriots offence really struggled, with Brady being visually frustrated over the next few seasons, all culminating in his departure to Tampa Bay...where he would have more input into the offensive roster.