Bill Belichick Details Rationale Behind Patriots’ First-Round Draft Trade

The New England Patriots had nine picks in the 2022 NFL Draft. NFL analysts reminded everyone that the Patriots trade up and down the draft pretty much every offseason. That’s exactly what happened this time. Patriots head coach Bill Belichick pulled out a few draft trade ideas and got the players he needs.

The Patriots had the 21^st overall pick but Belichick traded his option and got the 29^th overall from the Kansas City Chiefs. This trade move gave the team a couple of middle-round picks. If you are into statistics, Belichick has made 83 draft-day trades from 2000 to 2021. We have a good feeling that he will continue this tradition.

New England had a few big voids on the roster. Belichick had to get receivers and linebackers. Latest reports reveal that he got Chattanooga interior offensive lineman Cole Strange. He was their first-round pick.

This was a rather shocking move. The Patriots had more important issues to address. Fans were a bit worried, mostly because Strange was set to be a second-round pick.

Belichick has his own way of doing things. He got Strange for a reason. In his Zoom conference, the Patriots head coach discussed the reasons he had to get the offensive lineman.

“There were a couple options there,” Belichick said about the No. 21 overall. “We did what we felt like was best … felt like we made the best decision we could. So, that’s what we did.”

Belichick had a plan for this draft. Would he get Strange with the 21^st overall?

“Yeah, well, if we had stayed at 21, then we would’ve obviously picked somebody,” Belichick said. “Probably a pretty good chance it would’ve been him There were several teams that we talked to prior to when we made the trade. There were some other conversations going on there. But, ultimately, that’s the one we chose. Glad Cole was there when we picked.”

The Patriots have a chance to make something great this draft. They have 10 more picks. Who is the next player to join the Pats?