Former New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick admitted he made a mistake by not selecting Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson in the first round of the 2018 NFL draft.
The admission came in Belichick's new book, per Boston Globe's Ben Volin, who received an early copy of the book titled "The Art of Winning."
"Where the book falls short is chapter 10, 'Mistakes,'" wrote Volin, via SI.com's Mike Kadlick. "Belichick does admit to a few—[including] not drafting Lamar Jackson in 2018..."
The Patriots selected former Georgia running back Sony Michel with the No. 31 pick, and Jackson was taken by the Ravens at No. 32.
Jackson has gone on to become one of the best players in the NFL. He was the NFL MVP for the 2019 and 2023 seasons and has made four Pro Bowls. He has also been a three-time All-Pro selection and has thrown for over 20,000 yards and 84 touchdowns.
Michel had a tremendous rookie season in New England and even helped the team win its sixth Super Bowl. However, drafting Jackson would have set the franchise up for success in the aftermath of Tom Brady leaving.
Hindsight is 20/20, but one has to wonder what the Patriots would have looked like had they drafted Jackson in 2018. They might still be competing for Super Bowls, and Belichick might still be the head coach.
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This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Bill Belichick makes rare admission on not drafting QB Lamar Jackson
