It’s not every day you see Bill Belichick admit to a mistake, especially one that could’ve completely reshaped NFL history . But in his upcoming book The Art of Winning , the former Patriots head coach comes clean about a draft decision that still haunts New England: passing on Lamar Jackson in 2018. Instead of scooping up the electric dual-threat QB, Belichick went with running back Sony Michel at pick No. 31. One spot later, the Ravens traded up and took Jackson at 32. Yeah… ouch.
Bill Belichick owns the decision in his book, calling Lamar a “missed opportunity” for the Patriots
According to excerpts from the book, Belichick doesn’t sugarcoat it. He flat-out says the Patriots “missed” on Lamar Jackson. At the time, New England was looking to add offensive weapons. They liked Michel’s explosiveness and championship pedigree at Georgia. But hindsight? It's 20/20.
Jackson would go on to become one of the most dynamic QBs of the era, winning two MVPs and rewriting what it means to be a quarterback in today’s NFL. And the Patriots? They’ve been searching for Brady’s successor ever since 2020, without much success.
Patriots fans have replayed this draft day in their heads for years and Belichick just confirmed the pain
Since Brady's departure, New England’s quarterback situation has been rocky at best. Cam Newton had a one-and-done season. Mac Jones started strong, then stumbled. Bailey Zappe showed flashes but didn’t last. It’s been a constant cycle of “who’s next?” while Lamar Jackson was out there dropping defenders and stacking up wins in Baltimore.
Patriots fans already knew this one stung. But hearing Belichick himself admit it? That hits different. It's a rare “what could’ve been” that now has an official stamp of regret.
If Lamar Jackson went to the Patriots, the entire NFL landscape might have changed forever
Just imagine Lamar in a Patriots uniform. The Belichick-led defense. The coaching genius. The structure. Add in Jackson’s unmatched mobility and arm strength, and you’ve got a potentially unstoppable force in Foxborough. The post-Brady era wouldn’t have been a rebuild—it might’ve been another dynasty.
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And let’s be honest, Lamar’s vibe, energy, and play style would’ve completely modernized New England’s offense. Instead of conservative play-calling, fans would’ve gotten fireworks every Sunday.
To his credit, Belichick is doing something few legendary coaches do, owning up to a major misstep. There’s something refreshing (and a little brutal) about that honesty.
Bill Belichick owns the decision in his book, calling Lamar a “missed opportunity” for the Patriots
Wild: Former Patriots HC Bill Belichick admitted that not drafting QB Lamar Jackson in 2018 was a big mistake:
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) April 11, 2025
Belichick selected RB Sony Michel at 31, and the Ravens traded up with the Eagles to take Jackson at 32.
Imagine if Lamar went to the Patriots 😱
(via… pic.twitter.com/01ajWnaXUw
According to excerpts from the book, Belichick doesn’t sugarcoat it. He flat-out says the Patriots “missed” on Lamar Jackson. At the time, New England was looking to add offensive weapons. They liked Michel’s explosiveness and championship pedigree at Georgia. But hindsight? It's 20/20.
Jackson would go on to become one of the most dynamic QBs of the era, winning two MVPs and rewriting what it means to be a quarterback in today’s NFL. And the Patriots? They’ve been searching for Brady’s successor ever since 2020, without much success.
Patriots fans have replayed this draft day in their heads for years and Belichick just confirmed the pain
QBs with the Most Games with a Passer Rating of 140+ last season 📈
— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) April 9, 2025
Lamar Jackson: 5
Jared Goff: 4
Baker Mayfield: 3
Bo Nix: 2
Josh Allen: 2
Kirk Cousins: 2 pic.twitter.com/AktdqUpizT
Since Brady's departure, New England’s quarterback situation has been rocky at best. Cam Newton had a one-and-done season. Mac Jones started strong, then stumbled. Bailey Zappe showed flashes but didn’t last. It’s been a constant cycle of “who’s next?” while Lamar Jackson was out there dropping defenders and stacking up wins in Baltimore.
Patriots fans already knew this one stung. But hearing Belichick himself admit it? That hits different. It's a rare “what could’ve been” that now has an official stamp of regret.
If Lamar Jackson went to the Patriots, the entire NFL landscape might have changed forever
Just imagine Lamar in a Patriots uniform. The Belichick-led defense. The coaching genius. The structure. Add in Jackson’s unmatched mobility and arm strength, and you’ve got a potentially unstoppable force in Foxborough. The post-Brady era wouldn’t have been a rebuild—it might’ve been another dynasty.
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And let’s be honest, Lamar’s vibe, energy, and play style would’ve completely modernized New England’s offense. Instead of conservative play-calling, fans would’ve gotten fireworks every Sunday.
To his credit, Belichick is doing something few legendary coaches do, owning up to a major misstep. There’s something refreshing (and a little brutal) about that honesty.
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