Bill Belichick Disagrees With Idea Of Drafting For Need
Bill Belichick spoke about the idea of drafting for need at his pre-draft press conference. That is, he completely dismissed it.
Bill Belichick speaks during the New England Patriots Media Availability during Super Bowl LII week. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
(Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)Bill Belichick gave some insight into how he and the New England Patriots approach the NFL Draft in his pre-draft press conference on Friday in Foxboro.
The Patriots enter the 2018 draft with some perceived positional needs on both sides of the ball. Linebacker, tackle, and defensive end would presumably be among them. But that doesn't mean Belichick will take a lesser player based on needs, as he explained.
"The whole draft need thing is – I don’t really understand that," said Belichick. "You put a card up on the board. That doesn’t mean the guy is a good player. I think it’s important to acquire good players wherever they are. If you take a player at a position that you might so called 'need' but he’s not good enough to fill that need, then it’s a wasted pick. So, I don’t understand the whole need thing. I understand player value, and that’s what we try to go by."
(Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)Bill Belichick looks on before a New England Patriots game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Gillette Stadium on October 29, 2017. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
Based on his comments, don't be surprised if the Patriots draft players based on how they value them, regardless of position. It wouldn't be a departure from how they've drafted in the past. It's the reason you could see them add to the depth chart at less pressing positions of need like guard, center, or defensive tackle.
The bottom line for Belichick, as always, is getting the best players possible - rather than adding lesser talent for the sake of filling needs.
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