Best and Worst Case Scenarios for the Patriots 2024 Draft Class

Best Case: Chris Collinsworth. Many know Collinsworth for his broadcasting work. However, long before getting in the booth, Collinsworth was a very productive receiver. He made the Pro Bowl each of his first three NFL seasons. He nearly recorded six consecutive 1,000-yard seasons to begin his career as well. The Cincinnati Bengal fell short due to a strike in 1982 (he was on pace for 1,244) and missing a game in 1984 (he fell 11 yards short).

Worst Case: Devin Smith. The New York Jets picked Smith in Round 2 of the 2015 NFL Draft. Smith suffered multiple serious injuries, derailing his promising career. He made multiple valiant comebacks, but ultimately appeared in only 22 games in four seasons, over seven years. The New England Patriots hope health in on their side for all eight selections.

Best Case: Claudie Minor. The Broncos took Claude Minor at No. 68 overall in the 1974 draft out of San Diego State. The tackle spent his entire nine-year NFL career in Denver. Although he was never a Pro Bowl selection, he was a reliable starter for the Broncos. Minor started 98 consecutive games to begin his career. He played in 125 games overall, including 123 starts.

Worst Case: Randy Van Divier. The Baltimore Colts took Van Divier at No. 68 in the 1981 NFL Draft. He appeared in all 16 games as a rookie. He never played another NFL game after 1981. The Colts cut Van Divier before the 1982 season. After failing to secure a spot on another NFL roster he resurfaced with the Oakland Invaders of the USFL in 1984. Van Divier broke his leg during the 1985 preseason with the Oakland Raiders. He did not play football again.

Best Case: Claude Laaveg. Washington drafted Laaveg in 1970 out of Iowa, the first NFL Draft after the merger. He played six seasons, all with one franchise. Laaveg appeared in 72 games for Washington, starting 53. Although he had no Pro Bowl selections, six seasons, four as a starter, is as good as it gets here.

Worst Case: Arland Thompson. The Chicago Bears drafted Thompson in 1980 but he never played for them. He played 14 games over three seasons for the Broncos, Packers, and Colts. He came back to cross the picket line during the 1987 strike, playing three games for the Kansas City Chiefs.

Best Case: Wallace Francis. He began his career with the Buffalo Bills in 1973. Francis was used exclusively as a kickoff returner his two seasons with the Bills, returning two kickoffs for touchdowns in his rookie year. He joined Atlanta in 1975 and played his final seven seasons for the Falcons. Francis shows off his receiving ability there. He finished with 244 receptions for 3,695 yards and 27 touchdowns. He had a 1,000-yard season in 1979.

Worst Case: Erik Affholter. Another wide receiver who was unable to stay healthy. Washington drafted Affholter and then traded him to Green Bay (with picks) for quarterback Jeff Graham. Affholter broke his ankle playing pickup basketball before ever playing a game. He returned to play four games for Green Bay in 1991, his only NFL action. He retired in 1995 having suffered a knee injury.

Best Case: Mario Edwards. He began his career with the Cowboys, who drafted him out of Florida State in 2000. He remained in Dallas for his first four seasons before finishing with one year in Tampa Bay. Edwards played in 73 games, starting 50. He intercepted four passes and returned two for touchdowns.

Worst Case: Henry Monroe. He began his career in 1979 with Green Bay, playing three games. He finished the season playing three games for Philadelphia. Monroe attempted a comeback after sitting out the 1980 season, but was cut by the Eagles in preseason of 1981. He finished his NFL career with six games played.

Best Case: Jim Sorgi. If the New England Patriots had taken Milton at No. 199, the best case would have been Tom Brady. At No. 193 the top quarterback taken was Jim Sorgi. The Indianapolis Colts drafted the Wisconsin QB in the 2004 NFL Draft. He served as Peyton Manning’s backup for six seasons, the extent of his NFL career. He won a Super Bowl with the 2006 Colts. Sorgi finished with an impressive 6-to-1 touchdown-to-interception ratio. However, his career total were six touchdowns and one interception total. Sorgi appeared in 16 games for Indianapolis with no starts.

Worst Case: Reggie McNeal. The Cincinnati Bengals selected the Texas A&M product in 2006. They converted the college quarterback to wide receiver due to his impressive speed. McNeal appeared in seven games as a rookie. His only offensive statistic was an eight-yard run, picked up on a scramble while lined up at QB. He was released after the season and did not play in the NFL again. McNeal then played five seasons in the Canadian Football League before retiring due to a back injury.