The Patriots have traded the 23rd pick to the Baltimore Ravens in exchange for the 26th pick and the 162nd pick, a fifth rounder.
Archive for April, 2009
Belichick Squashes Trade Rumors
Saturday, April 25th, 2009
As I tweeted about a few minutes ago, Coach Bill Belichick stated, “The chances of us being in the top 10 is less than zero. Who would I be trading up for?” This was in response to Mike Mayock stating that this might be the worst draft in years.
If we take Belichick’s words at face value, which you really can’t, expect the Patriots to move some picks into the 2010 NFL Draft.
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Patriots Trading up?
Saturday, April 25th, 2009
UPDATE: The National Football Post is reporting that the Patriots will NOT trade up.
As we tweeted about earlier yesterday, multiple reports have the Patriots trying to trade up into the top 10 picks. The specific targets seem to be the #8 (Jaguars) and #9 (Packers) picks, although the #7 (Raiders) has been mentioned as well. Most reports have the Patriots giving up the #23 and the #47.
While most experts feel that the Patriots are looking to upgrade their suspect defense in the first round, it seems like they would be targeting an offensive player in the top 10. Reportedly, Andre Smith, and Michael Crabtree are high on the Patriots wish-list. If they stick with defense, Malcolm Jenkins, Tyson Jackson, and BJ Raji could all be possibilities.
As always, Belichick is ever the contrarian. If the Top 10 is popular like 2008, he trades down. If it isn’t like 2009, he tries to trade up. Enjoy your draft day Patriot fans, it is going to be a doozy. Like What You Read? – Subscribe to NE Patriots Draft!
Patriots Pick: Survey Says
Friday, April 24th, 2009
Mock drafts have obviously become a ubiquitous part of the NFL draft experience. While a single mock may not show much, there is a bit of wisdom in looking at the collective consciousness of NFL draftniks across the globe.
Here is what the “experts” have to say:
Reuter’s pick: Clay Matthews, USC, LB
SportsNation’s pick: Clay Matthews, USC, LB
Todd McShay’s pick: Clay Matthews, USC, LB
The Judge’s pick: Clay Matthews, USC, LB
Pat Kirwan’s pick: Clay Matthews, USC, LB
Mel Kiper’s pick: Donald Brown, UConn, RB
Don Banks’ pick: Darius Butler, UConn, CB
Rob Rang’s pick: Darius Butler, UConn, CB
Rick Gosselin’s pick: Rey Maualuga, USC, LB
Pete Prisco’s pick: Brian Cushing, USC, LB
According to the Mock Draft Database:
23% have the Patriots taking USC Linebacker Clay Matthews Jr.
66% have the Patriots taking a LB
58% have the Patriots taking a USC LB
16% have the Patriots taking a DB
86% have the Patriots taking a defensive player
14% have the Patriots taking an offensive player
Patriots Mock Draft 2009: Final Draft
Wednesday, April 22nd, 2009
Earlier this week, we presented our Patriots Mock Draft. We’re making just two small changes to the draft to reflect some changes in the draft meta-game.
#23 – Clint Sintim, OLB, Virginia (Robert Ayers)
We’re no longer convinced that Ayers will be around at #23, let alone be the right fit for the immediate needs of the Patriots. Sintim, however, provides the immediate pass rush skills from the OLB position that DE converts might take a year or two to acquire. Having Al Groh as a coach doesn’t hurt your 3-4 draft stock.
#34 – Max Unger, OL, California (Same)
#47 – William Moore, S, Missouri (Patrick Chung)
We’ve been watching way too much of Moore’s senior season, and forgot about how great he looked as a Junior. He can cover better than Chung, and is still a sure tackler.
#58 – Pat White, QB/WR, West Viginia (Same)
#89 – Jason Williams, LB, Western Illinois (Same)
#97 – Shonn Greene, RB, Iowa (Same)
#124 – Joe Burnett, CB, Central Florida (Same)
#170 – Bear Pascoe, TE, Fresno State (Same)
#199 – Ian Johnson, RB, Boise St. (Same)
#207 – Thomas Morstead, P, SMU (Same)
#234 – Julius Williams, OLB, UConn (Same)
Patriot Trade Possibilities
Wednesday, April 22nd, 2009
If there is any team that you have to watch out for on draft day, it is the Patriots. They love to wheel and/or deal from the starting gun until Mr. Irrelevant has been announced.
While the Patriots don’t have a history of trading up in to the first half of the first round, they have been known to throw their weight around on the latter portion of day two. They have swung deals to grab Matt Light, Eugene Wilson, Chad Jackson, and Daniel Graham before anyone else could grab them.
Another Patriot trademark is rolling picks into the next year, as they traded their 2007 1st rounder for a 2008 (Jerod Mayo), and traded a 3rd rounder in 2008 to San Diego for a 2nd rounder this year.
Moving on Up
The Detroit Lions need a lot of new players. They may be willing to part with pick #20 and change for picks #34 and #58. If a pass rusher is available here, look for the Patriots to try and pull the trigger.
If the rumored deal with the Broncos take shape for the #3 pick, the Chiefs may be willing to deal either the #12 or #18 pick for the right compensation. BJ Raji, Aaron Curry, or Malcolm Jenkins all could make Belichick think about moving up.
Green Bay, Oakland, and Jacksonville are all in a sweet spot this year to trade down with the Patriots.
Moving Down/Out
We don’t see the Patriots moving down for more picks, as they already have plenty of ammunition this year. Moving at least one pick into the 2010 draft, however, seems almost like a certainty.
If Josh Freeman is still available at #23, expect someone to be ringing the Patriots phone a la Kyle Boller in 2003.
Another possibility would be trading for a player, like Randy Moss in 2007. Julius Peppers is still being linked with the Patriots in trade talks.
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