Its also top picks at rounds 2-7 and top of waiver claim wire. It is not a sure thing but improves chances of a turnaround.
Tanking does NOT mean players do not try. It means putting your younger players in to get them experience.
Patriots roster will see tremendous turnover at end of season anyway. I do not buy the “winning culture argument”.
There will be a new head coach and general manager for next season anyway, they will bring an entirely new culture into the organization.
I would not call it tanking. I would call it putting yourself in the best position for a successful and rapid rebuild. It’s not just about the first round pick either.
So-called “tanking” worked pretty well for the Philadelphia Eagles. After they decided to switch to Hurts they pulled many of their starters so they could get in the best possible draft position. That netted them, Davante Smith, and many other good players, who have been the foundation of the team they are today.
Also look at the Bengals, it worked pretty well for them too. It got them, Joe Burrow, and Ja’Marr Chase, and many other good players at the top of rounds two through seven.