By Michael Felger
Wednesday, March 31, 2004
PALM BEACH, Fla. - When the Patriots traded their third-round pick to Miami on the eve of the 2003 draft for a 2004 second-rounder, fans shrugged. When the Pats traded one of their two first-round picks to Baltimore the next day for a package that included a 2004 first-rounder, fans grimaced.
Boring.
But, as usual, Bill Belichick and Scott Pioli had a plan. And today the Pats are right where they thought they'd be. They're going into a deep draft with a boatload of picks and they have options in every direction.
Yesterday, Belichick indicated the Pats are seriously considering one direction in particular: Up. He said the Pats have been a popular team among those looking to trade down in the first round and the option to climb up the board will be available if the Pats choose to exercise it.
``I definitely wouldn't rule it out. I think we have enough draft picks to be able to move if we want to,'' said Belichick, who is armed with seven picks in the first four rounds, including two firsts (Nos. 21 and 32) and two seconds. ``I think there are a lot of teams interested in moving down, getting two players for one, so to speak. We've had a number of teams express interest in that.''
One is the Detroit Lions, who own the No. 6 overall pick.
``I've spoken with Bill and (general manager) Matt Millen has spoken with Bill,'' said Lions coach Steve Mariucci. ``One concern is moving from six to 21. That's a pretty good drop. You wouldn't do it just for (the Pats' two first-round picks). It would require more.''
There's the rub. It's hard to imagine the Pats will give up the draft pick bounty necessary to get high into the top 10. Remember, Belichick and Pioli think this is a deep draft. However, if cornerback Ty Law [news] is included in the considerations, then the equation changes. Other teams said to be looking to move down include Arizona (No. 3), Washington (No. 5), Tampa Bay (No. 15) and San Francisco (No. 16).
Of course, fans should also be aware of predraft smoke and mirrors. Belichick did nothing to squelch trade-up rumors prior to last year's draft, even though they were mostly baseless. And it proved to be a big tease when the Pats traded out, not up. The difference this year is that Belichick is cranking up the rumor mill himself.
Who is the object of the Pats' affection? Like most teams, they have Iowa tackle Robert Gallery and Pitt receiver Larry Fitzgerald rated at or near the top of the list. Belichick also praised Miami safety Sean Taylor, who will be a top 10 selection. Again, the price for those players will be prohibitive.
On the other hand, the Pats won't have to make a major trade to get the running back of their choice. If that happens to be Oregon State's Steven Jackson, they'll probably be able to get him with a trade into the teens. The rest of the running back crop will probably be available at No. 21. A top-flight cornerback would also be available with a relatively minor deal.
The Pats are in a position of strength because they are currently the only team with two first-round picks, making them the preferred dance partner for those looking to move down. Last year, the Pats were one of four teams with multiple first-round picks. Instead of entering a bidding war with the likes of the Jets and Saints, they figured there were better players coming out this year and traded one of the picks for a 2004 first-rounder. Now they're in the catbird seat.
``I think that's definitely what we've tried to do,'' Belichick said. ``To create some flexibility and to create some opportunity. Not saying that all (the picks) are going to work out . . . but in general we thought we would rather have more picks this year than last year.''
Belichick said dealing for a veteran player is also a possibility. It was just one of several topics he hit on during a coaches breakfast at the NFL owners meetings.
Wednesday, March 31, 2004
PALM BEACH, Fla. - When the Patriots traded their third-round pick to Miami on the eve of the 2003 draft for a 2004 second-rounder, fans shrugged. When the Pats traded one of their two first-round picks to Baltimore the next day for a package that included a 2004 first-rounder, fans grimaced.
Boring.
But, as usual, Bill Belichick and Scott Pioli had a plan. And today the Pats are right where they thought they'd be. They're going into a deep draft with a boatload of picks and they have options in every direction.
Yesterday, Belichick indicated the Pats are seriously considering one direction in particular: Up. He said the Pats have been a popular team among those looking to trade down in the first round and the option to climb up the board will be available if the Pats choose to exercise it.
``I definitely wouldn't rule it out. I think we have enough draft picks to be able to move if we want to,'' said Belichick, who is armed with seven picks in the first four rounds, including two firsts (Nos. 21 and 32) and two seconds. ``I think there are a lot of teams interested in moving down, getting two players for one, so to speak. We've had a number of teams express interest in that.''
One is the Detroit Lions, who own the No. 6 overall pick.
``I've spoken with Bill and (general manager) Matt Millen has spoken with Bill,'' said Lions coach Steve Mariucci. ``One concern is moving from six to 21. That's a pretty good drop. You wouldn't do it just for (the Pats' two first-round picks). It would require more.''
There's the rub. It's hard to imagine the Pats will give up the draft pick bounty necessary to get high into the top 10. Remember, Belichick and Pioli think this is a deep draft. However, if cornerback Ty Law [news] is included in the considerations, then the equation changes. Other teams said to be looking to move down include Arizona (No. 3), Washington (No. 5), Tampa Bay (No. 15) and San Francisco (No. 16).
Of course, fans should also be aware of predraft smoke and mirrors. Belichick did nothing to squelch trade-up rumors prior to last year's draft, even though they were mostly baseless. And it proved to be a big tease when the Pats traded out, not up. The difference this year is that Belichick is cranking up the rumor mill himself.
Who is the object of the Pats' affection? Like most teams, they have Iowa tackle Robert Gallery and Pitt receiver Larry Fitzgerald rated at or near the top of the list. Belichick also praised Miami safety Sean Taylor, who will be a top 10 selection. Again, the price for those players will be prohibitive.
On the other hand, the Pats won't have to make a major trade to get the running back of their choice. If that happens to be Oregon State's Steven Jackson, they'll probably be able to get him with a trade into the teens. The rest of the running back crop will probably be available at No. 21. A top-flight cornerback would also be available with a relatively minor deal.
The Pats are in a position of strength because they are currently the only team with two first-round picks, making them the preferred dance partner for those looking to move down. Last year, the Pats were one of four teams with multiple first-round picks. Instead of entering a bidding war with the likes of the Jets and Saints, they figured there were better players coming out this year and traded one of the picks for a 2004 first-rounder. Now they're in the catbird seat.
``I think that's definitely what we've tried to do,'' Belichick said. ``To create some flexibility and to create some opportunity. Not saying that all (the picks) are going to work out . . . but in general we thought we would rather have more picks this year than last year.''
Belichick said dealing for a veteran player is also a possibility. It was just one of several topics he hit on during a coaches breakfast at the NFL owners meetings.
