On April 16th, 2000, long after top quarterback prospects Chad Pennington (18th overall to the Jets), Giovanni Carmazzi (65th to the 49ers) and Chris Redman (75th to the Ravens) were taken, the New England Patriots selected Michigan’s Tom Brady with the 199th pick.
ESPN shared the footage from draft day on the 19th anniversary of Brady’s selection, and it’s fascinating to watch for several reasons, from the classic broadcast format, to young Mike Tirico, to Mel Kiper Jr.’s analysis.
“Smart, experienced. This past season he cut his interception total in half. Tossed 20 touchdown passes, only six interceptions. Threw a touchdown pass in all 16 games he started against Big Ten opposition during his career. Accurate. Throws a very catchable ball, and he already knows when to take a little off, as well, that’s the key. And he stands up in that pocket, very tough. He’ll take a hit.
The question’s going to be mobility. He only runs a 5.25 40. Of course when you have those edge pass rushers, you have to avoid the initial defensive end, the initial pass rusher. Can he do that at the pro level?”
Seems safe to say that Brady figured it out.
