What Round Was Tom Brady Drafted On?
Tom Brady, one of the most iconic quarterbacks in the history of the NFL, has had a remarkable career that spans over two decades. His journey to the NFL began with his draft, a pivotal moment that set the stage for his future success. In this detailed exploration, we delve into the specifics of the round in which Tom Brady was drafted, providing a comprehensive look at his entry into the league.
Brady’s College Career
Before his NFL debut, Brady spent his college years at the University of Michigan. He was a three-year starter for the Wolverines, leading them to a national championship in 1997. Brady’s performance during his college tenure was nothing short of exceptional, earning him numerous accolades, including the Heisman Trophy in 1997.
The Draft Process
The NFL Draft is a highly anticipated event where teams select college football players to join their rosters. The draft is divided into seven rounds, with each round consisting of 32 picks. The order of selection is determined by the previous season’s standings, with the team with the worst record selecting first.
Brady’s Draft Position
Tom Brady was drafted in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft. He was the 199th overall pick, a position that many believed was a bit of a reach for the Patriots, who selected him. However, the Patriots had a knack for identifying talent, and Brady’s potential was undeniable.
The Patriots’ Decision
The New England Patriots, led by head coach Bill Belichick, made the bold decision to draft Brady in the sixth round. At the time, the Patriots were coming off a 5-11 season and were in need of a quarterback to lead their franchise. Brady’s draft status was a bit of a surprise, as many expected him to be selected much earlier.
Brady’s Early Career
After being drafted by the Patriots, Brady spent his first two seasons as a backup to Drew Bledsoe. However, his opportunity to start came in 2001 when Bledsoe suffered a season-ending injury. Brady stepped in and never looked back, leading the Patriots to a Super Bowl victory in his first season as the starting quarterback.
Brady’s Legacy
Since then, Tom Brady has established himself as one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time. He has won six Super Bowl championships, tied with Peyton Manning for the most in NFL history. Brady’s ability to lead his team to victory, even in the face of adversity, has earned him a place among the pantheon of NFL greats.
Brady’s Draft Round in Context
Looking back at the 2000 NFL Draft, it’s clear that the Patriots made a wise decision by drafting Tom Brady in the sixth round. The following table provides a breakdown of the draft, highlighting the picks in the round before and after Brady’s selection.
| Round | Pick | Player | Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5th | 144 | Laurence Maroney | Minnesota Vikings |
| 6th | 199 | Tom Brady | New England Patriots |
| 6th | 200 | Reggie Williams | Carolina Panthers |
| 6th | 201 | Ben Troupe | Indianapolis Colts |
| 6th | 202 | Chris Hovan | Chicago Bears |
| 6th | 203 | Mike Rumph | San Francisco 49ers |
