The New England Patriots picked up a fourth round pick from the Detroit Lions after trading down from 43rd overall to 51st overall, but they weren’t done yet. The Patriots traded down again, this time with the Chicago Bears.
The Patriots picked up the Bears 105th overall selection, early in the fourth round, and a 2019 second round pick in exchange for their 51st overall selection.
New England didn’t want to draft anyone on the board at this current point in time, or at least felt comfortable waiting until their 63rd overall selection. The Patriots might also believe that the players available are not too different from those that will be on the board in the fourth round.
There are cornerbacks like Isaiah Oliver and Carlton Davis, but other good corners like Duke Dawson or Anthony Averett should still be on the board much later. Linebackers aren’t expected to come off the board until the third round, like BYU’s Fred Warner or Ohio State’s Jerome Baker.
So don’t be surprised if the Patriots make another trade down from 63rd overall to add more capital.
The Patriots now have ammo to move around the draft board next year if they want to move up and select the heir to Tom Brady. And, hey, this is better than picking a safety with a seventh round grade in the second round, right?