Checking Out Pioli’s Track Record

In the last nine years, the New England Patriots have enjoyed one of the most successful decades in pro football history.

They’ve won 116 games in the regular and post-season and three Super Bowl championships.

The man who led the team to this remarkable achievement is Bill Belichick.

The man who was at his side for each and every one of those victories and titles was Scott Pioli.

That arrangement changed back in January when the Patriots’ success led Clark Hunt to knock on Pioli’s door in search of a new leader for his franchise.

What brought the young Chiefs owner to hire Pioli as his general manager was the Patriots success in the NFL Draft. Over the last nine years the Patriots have been one of the league’s best teams at pulling talent from the annual selection meeting.

They have not failed in the first round. They have found starters in the middle rounds. And they have mined the late rounds for talent and contributions, including the play of former sixth-round draft choice Tom Brady.

To understand what Pioli will bring to the table this weekend as he takes charge of his first Chiefs draft, we must review the history of what he was able to get done in New England.

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