The New England Patriots have turned their former first-round selection into two choices in the 2023 NFL Draft.
The Pats have traded their No. 14 pick to the Pittsburgh Steelers for their first round selection at number 17, as well as a fourth-rounder, No. 120 overall.
The Patriots entered this year’s draft with 11 selections -- headlined by their first-rounder at 14 followed by picks at 46, 76 and 107. Given coach Bill Belichick’s history, a draft day trade was considered a distinct possibility. During his 22 years at the helm in New England, the 71-year old has made a league-high 86 draft-day trades. For comparison, the Philadelphia Eagles are second over that span with 67.
Just last season, the Pats traded down, sending the No. 21 selection to the Kansas City Chiefs for pick 29, with which they selected offensive lineman Cole Strange.
Of course, there was also precedent for Belichick trading up to procure his coveted target. He did so in 2012 to select both Chandler Jones (21) and Dont’a Hightower (25) in the first round.
New England will now make its selection with several potential game changers on the board, including cornerback Christian Gonzalez, and wide receivers Zay Flowers and Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
More Patriots coverage from Sports Illustrated here.
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