New England Patriots Wheel and Deal in Third Round of 2017 NFL Draft
By Nick Ziegler
After the New England Patriots didn’t make a pick in the first two rounds of the NFL Draft, they finally did in the third round.
Coming into the 2017 NFL Draft, the New England Patriots were without a pick in the first two rounds of the draft. Due to trades that brought back Brandin Cooks and Kony Ealy, the Patriots’ first pick wasn’t scheduled until 72nd overall, which was a pick acquired with Ealy.
However, in typical Patriots fashion, they ended up trading that picks to the Tennessee Titans. Along with their sixth round pick, the Patriots sent their first third round pick to Tennessee in exchange for their third and fourth round selections.
Pats get 83 and 124 from Titans
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) April 29, 2017
With a lot of talent in the draft, moving down wasn’t a bad move by the Patriots, as they were able to acquire the 4th rounder in addition to moving down 11 spots. When the Patriots finally did make a pick in the third round, it ended up being defensive end Derek Rivers from Youngstown.
Following selection of Rivers, the Patriots moved up to the 85th overall pick to select offensive tackle Antonio Garcia.
Source: the Patriots gave the Lions picks 96 & 124 to move up to pick 85.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) April 29, 2017
Both picks certainly fill positions of need for the Patriots, as Rivers will be joining their rotation of defensive ends. At Youngstown, Young was a great pass rusher, and the Patriots certainly took him because of his ability to generate pressure.
Patriots select DE Derek Rivers, DE from Youngstown State, at No. 83. Set a school record with 41 sacks, totaled 35 reps on the bench press.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) April 29, 2017
While the Patriots don’t have an immediate need at offensive tackle, the decision to draft Garcia gives them some depth at the position.
Pats needed to look to the future at tackle. Garcia started his last 3 years at Troy https://t.co/bOQw4fN65e
— Mike Giardi (@MikeGiardi) April 29, 2017
The price to move up for Garcia was a rather steep one, but the Patriots clearly liked the tackle out of Troy. Also, the Patriots jumped the Giants and the Seahawks, who both could have been interested.
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From a value standpoint, the Patriots didn’t reach on either of these picks. Even though they didn’t come from big schools, they were both very good college players. After round three, it is clear that the Patriots are active. Stay tuned for what they do next!