2011 NFL Draft Results: Patriots Deal Away 60th Overall Pick to Houston Texans

The New England Patriots entered the second round of the 2011 NFL draft with three selections: 33rd, 56th and 60th. Many speculated, including myself, that Belichick and New England's draft team would trade away their 33rd overall pick—they kept pick no. 33, but shipped off pick no. 60. 

The Patriots traded their 60th overall pick to the Houston Texans for a third rounder (74th overall) and a fifth rounder (138th overall).

Now, the Patriots have back-to-back picks at 73rd and 74th overall.  

After New England selected cornerback Ras-I Dowling and running back Shane Vereen, the Patriots must have deemed that the talent at 60th overall wasn't worth as much as a third and firth round draft pick. 

The 2011 NFL draft class is loaded defensively, however out of New England's three draft picks, only one is a defensive player.

The Patriots are probably grabbing players from positions that wont offer too much value later on in the draft, such as running back and offensive line. 

Many Patriots fans must be screaming as this point, as the Patriots have yet to select a pass rushing linebacker or a defensive end. But, keep this in mind, this draft is loaded at defensive end linebacker—practically pass rushers in general. 

As the Patriots began to look forward into the third round, expect Belichick and company to start thinking defensively. Prospects like outside linebacker Justin Houston, wide receiver Leonard Hankerson, and outside linebacker Sam Acho.

With this trade, the Patriots have set themselves rather nicely in an interesting back-to-back picks at 73rd and 74th overall.

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