Tre Nixon reacts to being Ernie Adams’ final draft pick
One of the lasting images from this year’s Patriots draft actually didn’t come until late on Day 3. In a video the Patriots shared to their Twitter account, Bill Belichick stands up in front of the draft room and announces 2021 was the final draft for long-time football research director Ernie Adams.
Adams is then given the floor to make the Patriots’ final pick in the draft. With the selection Adams – and the team – chose UCF wide receive Tre Nixon.
Legendary.
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) May 3, 2021
After four decades of impact on the game, Ernie Adams does the honors for the final pick of his final #PatsDraft. pic.twitter.com/fPbBZ9WRt9
Nixon Wow!! What an honor. Can’t wait to get up there and get to work. God is great 🙏🏼 https://t.co/rhacDXV8vQ
Adams’ retirement has been more of a step back than a full departure from the team. He was on the field for part of the team’s first public OTA practice, and players have mentioned him being around the facility. In fact, he was one of the first members of the organization to greet Nixon when he arrived in Foxborough.
“It’s funny because Ernie – Day 1 when I reported here, he was one of the first people I saw in the building,” Nixon recalled. “So, I instantly smiled, introduced myself, he introduced his self and ever since then, I’m in his debt. I owe him a lot. I really respect that dude.”
After missing the first few days of OTAs while recovering from an injury, Nixon has begun practicing and seems to be catching on. If his development continues, it will be quite the story to say Adams’ final contribution to the Patriots’ draft room was a key one, like so many players before.
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Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.