The New England Patriots find themselves in rare territory with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft.
That puts them in a position to select one of the best prospects on the entire draft board. Over the last 24 years, since the start of the Bill Belichick era in New England, some truly elite players have been taken at No. 3.
Some have gone on to become league MVPs and Pro Football Hall of Famers, while others were perceived as draft busts. There are no guarantees what a player will be when standing on the draft stage and accepting a hat and jersey from NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. All the Patriots can hope for is history smiling kindly on them for the decision they ultimately make on draft night.
In honor of the upcoming draft, here are the last 24 players selected with the No. 3 pick over the last two decades:
Dec 7, 2008; Baltimore, MD, USA; Washington Redskins offensive tackle Chris Samuels (60) during the second half against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – OCTOBER 27: Defensive Tackle Gerard Warren #94 of the Cleveland Browns looks on during the NFL game against the New York Jets at Giant Stadium on October 27, 2002 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Browns defeated the Jets 24-21. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Jan 1, 2006; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback (3) Joey Harrington throws the ball against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports Copyright © 2005 Tom Szczerbowski
Dec 28, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson (80) on the sideline during the fourth quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at NRG Stadium. The Texans defeated the Jaguars 23-17. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 15, 2020; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) against the Buffalo Bills at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
December 15, 2008; Philadelphia, PA USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Braylon Edwards (17) makes catch over Philadelphia Eagles defender Sheldon Brown (24) during the Eagles 30-10 win at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Tennessee Titans quarterback Vince…
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