Through the prism of the Patriots, the first round of the NFL Draft was sensible and anticlimactic. But through the broader perspective of the entire first round ― broadcast live, of course, and in staggering detail by ESPN, ABC, and the NFL Network ― suspense was not lacking, particularly when it came to one very famous and polarizing prospect.

Eyebrows were certainly raised after pick No. 40, when the New Orleans Saints selected Louisville quarterback Tyler Shough. That marked three QBs taken ahead of Sanders: Cam Ward (to the Tennessee Titans at No. 1), Jaxson Dart (to the New York Giants at No. 25) and Shough.