Bill Belichick Claims Only One Rookie Has Been Ready To Play Immediately

Bill Belichick will not be selecting rookie players this season, but he will definitely discuss the 2024 draft class. The former New England Patriots head coach will be part of Pat McAfee’s draft-day show this time. We will get a chance to see Belichick in a different role. He is a man of a few words, but he will sure have something to say about top prospects.

Belichick has been around for many years and knows the game. He is the best head coach of all time, so yes, his remarks make sense. Belichick has seen a lot of players in his career.

The former Patriots head coach went on McAfee’s show on Tuesday. He discussed several topics and didn’t miss the opportunity to talk about the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft. According to Belichick, fans and analysts should not judge rookies early in the season.

Legendary Belichick praised one particular rookie

Belichick and Tom Brady built a dynasty, winning six titles during their time in New England. Legendary Belichick mentioned Brady just because the former quarterback didn’t see much action in his rookie campaign.

“Brady didn’t play his rookie year,” Belichick said (h/t Pro Football Talk). “You judge Tom Brady after his first year, and you have literally nothing. You’re talking about the greatest player that’s ever played.”

However, Belichick said that Lawrence Taylor was an exception to the rule.

“Lawrence Taylor was a different story,” Belichick added. “Lawrence Taylor from Day One impacted the team, showed he was the best player on the field, way better than everyone else, and [we] built a defense around him from that point going forward.”

Belichick discussed that kickers and punters can easily qualify. Players at other positions need time to learn.

“Once they figure it out, that’s when you know what you have,” Belichick said. “It’s usually not Day One of his rookie year.”

Taylor joined the league as a No.2 pick in the 1981 NFL Draft. He worked really hard to win three Defensive Player of the Year awards and eight All-Pro nods. This makes him an exception.