NFL Trade Speculations: Patriots and Chargers Likely to Swap Draft Picks

Out of all of the teams in the National Football League, which one is the most famous and well-known for trading their picks and stock piling for the next draft? The New England Patriots with head coach Bill Belichick are at the helm. 

As of right now, New England has six of the top 92 picks in this years draft—three being in the top 33. 

San Diego, on the other hand, has five of the top 89 picks in the draft—four of them being in the second and third round. 

Belichick, who has a history of trading some of his team's higher picks to fall back later on the present draft while stock piling picks for next year's draft, could find a perfect trade partner in San Diego who are loaded in the second and third round.

Kevin Acee, of the San Diego Union-Tribune reports that a high ranking Chargers' insider has confirmed that there has been some "chatter" between both parties at the NFL owners meeting in New Orleans, LA. 

Allow me to analyze a bit deep into this potential trade with incorporating the "point values" from the NFL draft-pick point value sheet which is a handy reference for NFL general managers. 

New England's picks:

Round 1 / 17 = 950

Round 1 / 28 = 660 

Round 2 / 33 = 580

Round 2 / 60 = 300

Round 3 / 74 = 220

Round 3 / 92 = 132

San Diego's picks:

Round 1 / 18 = 900

Round 2 / 50 = 400

Round 2 / 61 = 292

Round 3 / 82 = 180

Round 3 / 89 = 145

In there were trade, the Patriots would likely send their top three picks. However, I will be omitting two picks out of a potential trade with San Diego. 

17th overall is just too high to trade in my opinion, and I'm predicting Belichick will stay put there because of the plethora of talent in the mid-first round of the draft. Pick No. 33 is also an extremely valuable pick and the Patriots will likely not trade this pick until the draft. It's the first pick of the second round, and with the second round being on separate days, teams including New England, will have all night to ponder of what a possible move could be. 

So, pick number 28 would be the pick Belichick would trade to San Diego right now. 

A potential trade could go as follows: 

New England—Round 1 / 28 = 660 and Round 3 / 92 = 132—Total Value = 792

 San Diego—Round 2 / 50 = 400, Round 2 / 61 = 292, and  2012 Round 4 (estimated value = 50)—Total Value = 742

This trade could very well happen, especially with the rumors coming out of New Orleans. 

New England would be acquiring two second-round picks, which would make their total of second-round picks at four, which Belichick will love. Also, the Patriots will be acquiring a fourth-round pick for the 2012 draft.

San Diego would be moving up in the draft, and their general manager A.J. Smith has mentioned being "aggressive" and "flexilble" during this draft.

With the rumors of trades stirring up in New Orleans, keep in mind that teams are unable to move players due to the current lockout. However, draft picks are fair game.

NOTE: This article was first seen at PatriotsPlus.net. Be sure to follow Tony Santorsa on Twitter @     TonySantorsa.