How Have the New England Patriots Remained the Chip Holders in NFL Draft?

The New England Patriots have two picks in the first and second round in the 2012 NFL draft.

That gives them more draft muscle than a gym junkie, and they'll use those picks on guys who can do way more than lift things up and put them down.

But every year is an exercise for those muscles, and every year, the Patriots come out of the draft with a bit more swell in those biceps.

Bill Belichick's never one to flex publicly, and his mastery of the draft runs so deep, Michael Holley wrote a book about it that admirably attempts to capture his genius, yet leaves readers with so many questions.

Why Do the Patriots Continually Trade Down?

To put it simply, it's smart business.

A wonderful piece written last year by Rich Hill of Pats Pulpit outlines how the Patriots have achieved "annuities and perpetuities" with their draft trades, allowing them to maintain the leverage every year. This helps explain it from a business perspective (and the information is a bit much to regurgitate, so go read it and come back when you're done).

Here is a rundown of some of the most recent draft day trades where Belichick has picked up future picks:

• 2007: First-round pick (28) traded to San Francisco for 2007 fourth-round pick (110) and 2008 first-round pick (7).
• 2007: Third-round pick (91) traded to Oakland for 2007 sixth-round pick (211) and 2008 third-round pick (69).
• 2009: Third-round pick (73) traded to Jacksonville for 2009 seventh-round pick (232) and 2010 second-round pick (44).
• 2009: Third-round pick (89) traded to Tennessee for 2010 second-round pick (47).
• 2010: Third-round pick (89) traded to Carolina for 2011 second-round pick (33).
• 2011: First-round pick (28) traded to New Orleans for 2011 second-round pick (56) and 2012 first-round pick (27).
• 2011: Third- and fourth-round picks (92, 125) traded to Oakland for 2012 second-round pick (48).

And those are just the primary examples of the past five seasons. The Patriots sacrifice a little now for a profit later and are able to maintain their checks and balances as a result.

They have consistently sought equity with their moves. Here's a rundown of how many slots the Patriots have moved up with each of the above trades (in order): 21, 22, 29, 38, 46,  1 (plus additional pick), 44.

With the sacrifice of immediate returns, the Patriots have profited greatly in the long run.

None of this even makes mention of the Richard Seymour trade, where the Patriots got a first-round pick in exchange for an expensive player they weren't going to re-sign anyway. That's a cold way to end the relationship, but it was a coup for the Patriots from a business perspective.

What's the Difference Between "Pulling the Trigger" and Putting the Picks to Good Use?

The Patriots' propensity to trade down has caused quite a stir among fans who are anxious to see the team maximize the window of opportunity with Tom Brady at quarterback. The problem with that theory is that the head coach and front office as a whole have their eyes down the road way past the Brady days. Why else would they draft Ryan Mallett with a third-round selection?

"Why won't they just pull the trigger?" you might ask.

There is something to be said, though, for the difference between "pulling the trigger" and making wise choices with the picks. 

If the team was hitting on all of its picks, trading down wouldn't be such an issue. As it stands, they have been less than successful in the draft of recent. It's hard to expect perfection in what is such a hit-or-miss process, but the Patriots have bit the curb a few times in the recent past and are still searching for answers in some spots where they've had more trouble scouting talent than others (see: wide receiver, defensive back).

At the end of the day, it doesn't matter what pick the players are selected with (see: Brady, Tom). All that matters is making the right pick.

The Patriots have been savvy with their trades and have put themselves in good position with those picks. They just need to capitalize.

What to Expect in 2012

More trades. I can guarantee it.

The Patriots only have five picks in 2013 right now, and as redundantly stated herein, the Patriots love setting themselves up for success in future drafts. Look for them to pick up a few picks to add to their arsenal headed into 2013, which means a few trades that will likely involve the Patriots trading down and/or out of one or more of their picks.

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