New England Patriots: Revisiting and Grading the 2009 NFL Draft
By Hal Bent
Nov 24, 2013; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers linebacker Clay Matthews (52) reacts after sacking Minnesota Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder (not pictured) in the 1st quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
So on came the 2009 NFL Draft and Bill Belichick began wheeling and dealing:
1st Round #23 overall: Traded to Baltimore for 1st round (#26 overall) and 5th round (#162 overall). Then traded the 1st round (#26 overall) traded to Green Bay with 5th round (#162 overall) received from Baltimore for 2nd round (#41 overall), 3rd round (#73 overall) and another 3rd round (#83 overall)
The Patriots traded out of the first round. Twice.
SHOULD HAVE DRAFTED: Green Bay took linebacker Clay Matthews at #26 overall;. The Ravens took tackle Michael “The Blind Side” Oher at #23 overall.
How did that work out for Green Bay and Baltimore? Oh, they both won Super Bowls with both players having a significant impact. Both played key positions that were of need and drafted to fill afterwards in the second and third round. What did the Patriots get? Read on.
GRADE: F