5 biggest NFL Draft busts in New England Patriots history

The New England Patriots are tied as the most successful team in NFL history after winning six Super Bowls in their history.

Head coach Bill Belichick and QB Tom Brady were the most successful tandems in NFL history, but that doesn't mean Belichick had it all his own way.

The Patriots have had plenty of success, with the aforementioned Brady, along with Rob Gronkowski.

However, they've also wiffed on as many picks as they've hit, with tons of NFL Draft busts down the years.

Patriots worst NFL Draft busts ever

#5 - Dominique Easley

New York Jets v New England Patriots

The Patriots grabbed defensive tackle Dominique Easley with the 29th overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, but he was released after just two years with the team. Easley suffered constant injuries in the NFL, tearing his ACL twice during his career.

He clocked up just 64 tackles and 6.5 sacks during his career, and despite winning a Super Bowl ring in New England, Easley has to go down as a bust due to his disappointing career.

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#4 - N'Keal Harry

New England Patriots v Seattle Seahawks

Wide receiver N'Keal Harry was taken with the final pick of the 2019 NFL Draft first round as another weapon for Tom Brady.

Harry, however, was a bust during his time in New England. He never topped more than 310 receiving yards in a season, only catching a total of four touchdowns.

He was traded to the Chicago Bears in July 2022, for just a seventh-round draft pick in 2024.

Patriots worst NFL Draft busts ever

#3 - Ras-I Dowling

Ras-I Dowling with the New England Patriots

Cornerback Ras-I Dowling was taken by New England with the 33rd overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, but he was cut just two years later.

Dowling was talented, but dealt with injuries in college, which unfortunately tainted his NFL career.

He failed to catch an interception during his career, and after being cut by the Patriots in 2013, he wouldn't see an NFL field again.

#2 - Ron Brace

New England Patriots 2011 Headshots

Massachusetts local Ron Brace was taken with the 40th overall pick of the 2009 NFL Draft, but the dream never worked out for the defensive tackle.

Brace started just seven games over the first two years of his career before niggling injuries derailed his career. Brace was released in December 2012, ending his NFL career less than a year later.

#1 - Chad Jackson

New England Patriots 2008 Headshots

Chad Jackson goes down as one of the most infamous Patriots draft busts of the Bill Belichick era. Jackson was taken early in round two of the 2006 NFL Draft, with the 36th overall pick after New England traded up to grab him.

However, his career didn't pan out, as he spent just two years with the team, catching just three touchdowns. Jackson only played 14 games with the Pats before he was cut in August 2008.