NFL Trade Speculation: New England Patriots Likely to Trade 33rd Overall Pick

Ever since Bill Belichick took the reigns as the New England Patriots head coach and general manager, he has made several draft day trades from 2001-2010. In fact, he's made 42 trades on draft day.

42 trades—that is way ahead of any other of the 31 teams in the NFL. 

It seems like the draft is a giant manipulation by Belichick and New England. The Patriots always come away with several middle-round draft picks while they stockpile for the drafts to come. New England has a pretty impressive resume under Belichick, as it has had several homegrown players emerge into quality NFL starters. 

The Patriots enter the 2011 draft with nine draft picks, and six of them being in the top 92. Belichick has set the Pats up nicely. 

New England possesses one of the most unique and intriguing picks of the draft: the 33rd overall pick.

The draft starts on Thursday, April 28, however, that night will only have the first round. The Patriots hold the 33rd overall pick, which means that they will have all night to analyze what they want to do with that pick. Essentially, it's like having the first overall pick all over again. 

Not only will Belichick and company be analyzing what they want to do with that pick, multiple teams will be calling the Patriots' front office looking to trade for that pick.

Out of those teams, they will likely want to jump ahead to snag a player they want before another team can draft that player. 

The Patriots are in a very good situation.

Teams will be desperate, especially the ones without a second-round pick, and the Patriots can almost hold the 33rd overall pick for ransom. 

In my opinion, it is almost guaranteed that Belichick will trade the 33rd overall pick because it presents so much potential and holds so much value. The Patriots can turn the 33rd overall pick into a mid second-round pick, then possibly nab a few other picks for the future.

With those 42 draft day trades since '01, you know that New England will be wheeling and dealing, like always.

New England has set itself up extremely well—considering that it achieved the best record in football last season at 14-2.

The Patriots are only going to get better, and with Belichick's draft day "magic," he will likely manipulate the draft some more and put the Patriots in a great position moving forward to make yet another Super Bowl run.

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