32 Devin McCourty, FS, 2010-present: McCourty beats out running back Andy Johnson, who compiled 3,824 yards from scrimmage in his eight-year career with the Pats. 14 -- Steve Grogan, QB, 1975-90: One of the toughest guys to everplay quarterback, Grogan played 16 seasons with the Patriots. Question, Comment, Feedback, or Correction? 17 -- Mike Taliaferro, QB, 1968-70: Before it was cursing modern-era Patriots receiver, the No. Receiver Devin Ross wore it during mandatory minicamp, when he participated on a tryout basis. Jim Colclough (1960-68) and Russ Francis (1975-80, 1987-88) had impressive careers in New England wearing No. Every Sports Reference Social Media Account, Site Last Updated: Tuesday, February 28, 2:31PM. Edges out longtime longsnapper Lonie Paxton. 32 Devin McCourty This is a very deep number with Antowain Smith, Andy Johnson, Willie Clay and Craig James, but none come close to the impact McCourty has made. The only player to wear that number during his career with the team is Freiermuth. Gronk already owns many NFL all-time records, and some not just for TEs but any receiver, despite also being a top blocker. Last worn by backup tackle Cameron Fleming, 71 has a rich but not necessarily star-powered history with the Patriots: Offensive linemen Russ Hochstein and Todd Rucci wore it in the 2000s and 1990s, respectively, while defensive linemen Ray Hamilton and Don Oakes called it their own in the 1970s and 1960s. Yet for years, the numbers 80 and 81 held a generic significance: Those guys were the star receivers. Note: Gaffney retired from the NFL to play professional baseball before coming back to football. Use without license or authorization is expressly prohibited. 43 Vagas Ferguson Another little-used number but the running back gets the nod largely because he spoke at my Pop Warner banquet in 1980. Throughout New. August 12, 2021 at 12:55 pm 46 James Develin, FB, 2012-present: On several occasions, Tom Brady has called Develin the best fullback in the game. Dee is the only Patriot to ever wear No. The 722 snaps he played (of 1,077; 67%) were the most of Chicagos skill position players. Hannah reported to camp, ending his 3-month retirement. 24 -- Ty Law, CB, 1995-2004:Darrelle Revis was only here a year, and Stephon Gilmore has a long way to go. You'll now receive the top Patriots Wire stories each day directly in your inbox. He was out the following week but returned in week 13, when he aggravated the injury. He also plays quarterback. Vereens 11-catch Super Bowl gives him the slightest of advantages over Pro Bowl corner Chuck Shonta, safety Tebucky Jones, defensive back Prentice McCray and running back Sammy Morris. other than brady no number should be retired. Not a member? 64 -- Richard Bishop, DL 1976-81: Bishop played before sacks and tackles were tracked by the NFL, but did make 50 starts over six seasons. He was second in catches and tied for third in both yards and touchdowns. 1 overall pick trying to make his way with some rough Patriots teams. If he had stayed, maybe. He will be wearing the number for a special reason. 1 -- John Smith, K, 1974-83:Not a ton of competition for No. Williams was very effective in the mid-80s up front. The Combine is set to take place in Indianapolis this week. 7 -- the number he wore at LSU -- in Minnesota. 28, were not. He's clearly the choice here over Jeremy Shockey of New Orleans and many others. While his off the field endeavors were not successful, his on the field play was although it was slightly less successful as it had been the year prior. Note: Reynolds will wear 51 now that Bentley has changed to No. WR Kenny Britt: #88 After being worn by four tight ends in a row - Martellus Bennett, Scott Chandler, Matthew Mulligan, Jake Ballard -, 88 returns to a wide receiver in the form of Kenny Britt.. So if the Patriots reissued 20, wed all still be talking about Gino Cappaletti? Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (each updated 1/26/2023). 68 -- Max Lane, OL, 1994-2000:Had a solid run with the Patriots, emerging as a full-time starter from 1995 to 1998. 13 R.C. Safety Devin McCourty details the state of the New England Patriots and why quarterback Mac Jones is still considered "The Guy". Law isn't in Canton yet, but he's knocking on the door. 75 Vince Wilfork Athletic nose tackles don't grow on trees. Players fight for practice repetitions and playing time to earn one of the 53 spots on the roster. While 65 currently has an unremarkable run with Jonathan Cooper and Jordan Devey last wearing it, it was previously worn by one of the best players in franchise history: Defensive tackle Houston Antwine donned it from 1961 to 1971 when he appeared in 144 games for the Patriots. Top prospects and storylines to watch from a Patriots perspective at the NFL Combine. 86 -- Stanley Morgan, WR, 1977-89:Morgan is the Patriots' all-time leading receiver with 10,352 yards and no one else is close. Between 1977 and 1989, the former first-round pick who now resides in the franchise Hall of Fame appeared in 187 games with the number 86 on his jersey. All three are in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. 84 Deion Branch, WR, 2002-05, 2011-12: The MVP of Super Bowl XXXIX, Branch gets the nod over Shawn Jefferson. 20 retired by the franchise. Adams wore No. 50 Mike Vrabel A few to pick from here with Rob Ninkovich, Sam Hunt and Lawrence McGrew, but Vrabel's versatility wins out. Note: Anderson wore No. 80. 69 Shaq Mason Ultra-athletic guard easily outperformed the competition. 40-yard dash time didn't affect Peyton and Eli Manning's careers. 60 Garin Veris The classy defensive end earns a narrow victory over David Andrews and Lennie St. Jean. Spent his entire career with the Patriots. 96 in his first six NFL seasons with the Colts and the Jets. 22 Asante Samuel, CB, 2003-07: Led the NFL with 10 INTs in 2006. 57 Steve Nelson Another easy selection, Nelson's professionalism was a mainstay for many years in New England. 44 John Stephens Power back was never the same after his vicious collision with Jeff Fuller at Stanford in 1989. Or No. Rodney Harrison is a member of both the San Diego Chargers and New England Patriots 50th Anniversary Teams. In football, its harder for one guy to truly havea number forever, just because there are so many players on the rosters and certain numbers are restricted to certain positions. He ended up winning the Super Bowl when he returned for a second stint in New England. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. The Patriots check off three major needs, headlined by a dynamic weapon in Mike Dussault's first mock draft of the 2023 offseason. His 4.65 yards per carry is the best of any back in the top 25 of that list. Patrick was a solid punter from 1975-78, appearing in 43 games. WR Kenny Britt: #88.May 9, 2018. 4 Adam Vinatieri Maybe someday Jarrett Stidham will make this a debate. The Patriots Hall of Famer played at a high level for a long time. Since he strayed, its a no for me. Bolden played college football at Alabama first alongside Mac Jones, later under Bill OBrien. Last worn by Dion Lewis, number 33 has been a successful one for Patriots running backs over the last few decades: Kevin Faulk played an important role in three Super Bowl victories wearing it and had a franchise Hall of Fame career. 82 Daniel Graham Underrated blocker was a stalwart on a pair of title teams. While the team's rookie class has yet to be assigned numbers, some of the team's veteran offseason additions and former practice squad players were already handed out theirs. He finally got league-wide praise in 2017, when he earned his first Pro Bowl nod. Please check your email for a confirmation. He likely would've been if injuries didn't end his career before the age of 30. 59 Vincent Brown The original Undertaker takes this one going away. All rights reserved. It keeps the ex player in the minds of the fans instead of not ever seeing it again. He had his jersey retired by the team. Until then the greatest clutch kicker in NFL history stands alone. 30 Carl Garrett Solid running back from the 1960s wins out over fan-favorite Mosi Tatupu. The number that has since been worn mostly by role players like Chris Jones, Shaun Ellis and most recently Ricky Jean Francois. Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee (2015) Rod Shoate. 89. 55 Willie McGinest, LB, 1994-2005: Had 78 sacks in 12 years with the Pats. With Gronkowski the clear-cut number one option at tight end, Bennett is projected to be the teams number two option at the position and more of a role-player in Foxboro than he was in Chicago. Teams are around for a long time. 20 Gino Cappelletti The only man to ever don the number remains Mr. Patriot. four men to start at the position in 1992. Harrison was inducted into the New England Patriots Hall of Fame in 2019. No. 39 Sam Cunningham Sam Bam remains the Patriots all-time rushing leader. Registered 29 career interceptions. Please see our Contributors and Sources page for data source details. 48 -- Tim Fox, FS, 1976-81:A six-year starter with the Patriots, Fox made the Pro Bowl in 1980. Chris Singleton. Note: A third-round pick in 2019, Cajuste is still looking to make his NFL debut. Cmon man. (After landing on the roster, Ross switched to No. 2 Doug Flutie, QB, 1987-89, 2005: Made 12 starts for the Pats. 24 Ty Law, CB, 1995-2004: Thirty-six of Laws 53 career picks came as a member of the Patriots. Martellus Bennett is an intriguing athlete to team up with Rob Gronkowski. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. 53 Chris Slade I'm going to admit to some recency bias here and take Slade over Tom Addison, who was a standout in the 1960s. 31 Fred Marion The cerebral play-making safety was a huge part of the defense of some very talented teams from the mid-1980s. Since 2011, the Bills have worn white for a home game either with their primary uniform or a throwback set. 51 Jerod Mayo, LB, 2008-15: Bill Belichick hit big on both of his top 10 picks with the Patriots (Richard Seymour was the other). 72 Matt Light The rings speak volumes and Light was a huge part of three of them in New England. 17 was Taliaferro's for a three-year run. 66 -- Paul Fairchild, G, 1984-90: Lonie Paxton came close to being the second long snapper on this list. Note: Bourne wore No. Note: The Patriots highest-profile defensive free-agent signing, Judon will wear the same number he had to Grand Valley State. Never played for another NFL team. 56 Andre Tippett Which brings us to another rather easy pick, even with Patriots Hall of Fame member Jon Morris serving as competition. 95 -- Chandler Jones, DE, 2012-2015: Roman Phifer (2001-2004) played a big role on three Super Bowl runs at the end of his career, but was a starter for only three seasons. 19 Brandon LaFell WR wasn't here long but made an impact. What should the Patriots prioritize this offseason in free agency and the draft? 28 -- Curtis Martin, RB, 1995-97: In a showdown between two of the best backs in Patriots history, the nod goes to the Hall of Famer, who got his start in New England. Who's the best New England Patriots player to wear No. Side note: Steve Nelson's 57 has not been worn since December 12 . 80, a number that is now predominantly worn by tight ends (nine). 5. They now have a true team HOF with a qualification process and an annual ceremony complete with speeches and a red jacket. 29 LeGarrette Blount, RB, 2013-present: Blount ranks 20th on the Pats all-time rushing list. 34 Chuck Shonta The versatile defensive back is part of the Patriots All-Decade team for the 1960s. Today, well continue the series with tight end Martellus Bennett. Last worn by the likes of Chris Barker, Donald Thomas and Mark LeVoir, you have to go back all the way to the 1990s to find a regular starter donning 64: Center Dave Wohlabaugh wore it in 63 games for the team. 21 had its ups and downs in the past: For every Ras-I Dowling and Fred Taylor there is a Randall Gay and the biggest and most successful name of the bunch Malcolm Butler. 20 retired in New England. New England Patriots roster breakdown: #88 TE Martellus Bennett The offseason acquisition projects to be the Patriots' number two tight end. 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