Before Bill Belichick began his wrap-up of the Patriots' draft picks, he took time to mention Bucko Kilroy, the longtime executive and former player who passed away last July at age 86.

"We were definitely missing the presence of Bucko," Belichick said. "He's been such a pillar here for so long, particularly as it relates to the draft. It was such an exciting day for him -- and for all of us -- and even in his later years he never lost his enthusiasm and zest for these two days."

Francis "Bucko" Kilroy was an All-Pro player with the Eagles, earning that honor as both an offensive guard and defensive middle guard. He joined the Patriots in 1971 as the team's player personnel director, becoming general manager in 1979. He served as a team vice president from 1983 until his retirement a decade later. But Kilroy never really retired -- until his death he assisted the scouting department and still put in several hours a week in his office.