29th picks of the past

As of now, if the Patriots choose not to trade their first round pick, they will be set to draft who they feel is the best fit at the 29th overall selection. This is a BIG 'if'. Anyways, there's no harm in taking a little trip down memory lane to see who the 29th picks of the past were. Here's the list, followed by Mike Reiss' analysis:

2012: S Harrison Smith (Vikings)
2011: OT Gabe Carimi (Bears)
2010: CB Kyle Wilson (Jets)
2009: WR Hakeem Nicks (Giants)
2008: DL Kentwan Balmer (49ers)
2007: G Ben Grubbs (Ravens)
2006: C Nick Mangold (Jets)
2005: CB Marlin Jackson (Colts)
2004: WR Michael Jenkins (Falcons)
2003: LB Nick Barnett (Packers)
2002: OT Marc Colombo (Bears)
1997: CB Chris Canty (Patriots)

"Harrison Smith, Hakeem Nicks, Ben Grubbs and Nick Mangold have been difference-makers for their clubs. Like every other pick, there are also some misses. Gabe Carimi has been a disappointment for Chicago, while Kentwan Balmer didn't pan out in San Francisco. It's also notable that Michael Jenkins, the 29th pick in 2004, is now with the Patriots after signing a one-year contract."

The Patriots are probably the most unpredictable team when it comes to the draft. Trading dwn, stocking up on future picks, and then selecting random guys from off-the-map colleges seemed to be their niche until last year when they traded up to Chandler Jones and Dont'a Hightower. What the Patriots do in this year's draft is totally up in the air; just look at all the different analysts mock drafts.

Anthony Aidonidis
@aidonidis18
#BostonStrong