2011 NFL Draft News: Breaking Down the Potential Chargers and Patriots Trade

There have been recent rumors and reports that the New England Patriots are interested in dealing their second first round pick (28th overall) and that the San Diego Chargers are interested in acquiring it. Why would either team make that trade? Well, we know the Patriots love to work the draft boards and obtain future picks. Based on the NFL’s unofficial trade value chart, the value of the 28th pick is 660 points, but since the Chargers are trading up, let’s assume they go for a value of about 700 points at a minimum. What can San Diego offer?

The Chargers have the 18th and 29th picks in the second round, as well as the 18th and 25th picks in the third round. According to the trade value chart, those picks are worth a combined 1,017 points, so they clearly have some value to work with. Their two second round selections are worth 692 points, which is pretty close to good value for the Patriots. However, a trade for two second round picks would give New England four second round picks. Would they make that kind of deal?

One has to wonder if the Patriots are actually interested in making such a trade, would they try to use those other assets to move up higher into the first round? More likely, the Patriots would want a 2nd round pick from the Chargers this year, maybe another mid-round pick, and a future pick. Something like a 2nd round pick, 4th round pick, and a future 2nd rounder would suffice, and fit what New England typically likes to do on draft day.

Having two first round picks might allow the Chargers to again move up, or possibly get both a defensive end and a big receiver like Jonathan Baldwin.

Either way, this would be an interesting trade for both teams, and would definitely fit what the Patriots like to do on draft day.