BILL’S BEST AND WORST

Going by the criteria of immediate rather than long-term impact, here’s a quick look — in chronological order — of the three top rookie classes compared to the three worst in the Bill Belichick era. Again, someone who makes more of a difference years down the line as opposed to right away won’t have as much value in this exercise. THREE BEST

2004 — Basically, this comes down to the two first-round selections. As should be the case when a team gets the chance to pick there, the Pats cashed in. Defensive tackle Vince Wilfork and tight end Ben Watson immediately became cornerstones on each side of the ball.

2010 — This draft may set the standard for heavy hitters in the Belichick era. Safety or, as he was initially, cornerback Devin McCourty and tight ends Rob Gronkowski and the ill-fated Aaron Hernandez were the jewels, but even linebacker Brandon Spikes and punter Zoltan Mesko made a mark early on.

2012 — Like 2004, two first-round picks led to two high-quality players. Defensive end Chandler Jones and linebacker Dont’a Hightower started strong and grew into defensive stars, while Tavon Wilson and Nate Ebner were special teams standouts. Even cornerback Alfonzo Dennard showed promise. THREE WORST

2000 — Belichick’s first draft was largely forgettable. There were no first-round selections, and out of the 10 picks overall, little in the way of early contributors. Of course, there was quarterback Tom Brady in the sixth round, but his worth obviously did not take hold until his second year.

2006 — Out of the 10 selections, there were some fleeting moments of success, but kicker Stephen Gostkowski was really the only pick that worked out. First-round running back Laurence Maroney and second-round receiver Chad Jackson were both disappointments.

2007 — One has to keep in mind that this draft had just one selection in the first three rounds and four sixth-rounders overall, so the deck was a little stacked against Belichick & Co. But safety Brandon Meriweather never lived up to his first-round billing and the other eight picks did not pan out, either.