The rumors began swirling on Thursday morning, with the news that a few teams were looking to trade up into the end of the first round to select a quarterback. The Patriots, with just five picks in the entire draft and a history of trading down for more selections, were a prime candidate, and when they went on the clock on Thursday night, nobody was surprised to hear that a deal had been reached.

New England traded the 29th pick in the NFL Draft to the Minnesota Vikings, who already had two first rounders and were not thought to be among the teams looking to move back up. With their new selection, the Vikings took Tennessee wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson. In the deal, the Patriots received the Vikes’ second-, third-, fourth- and seventh-round picks, numbers 52, 83, 102 and 229 overall.

Continue reading NFL Draft Day One: Patriots Trade Out of First Round »

And finally, let’s take a look at what could be a growing issue for the team: defensive line depth.

For reference, here’s a reminder of where the Pats stand before the draft, in terms of picks:

1. Round 1, Pick 29

2. Round 2, Pick 27 (59 overall)

3. Round 3, Pick 29 (91 overall)

4. Round 7, Pick 20 (226 overall, from Buccaneers)

5. Round 7, Pick 29 (235 overall) Continue reading 2013 NFL Draft Preview: Patriots Could Add an Extra DL »

Today, we preview another need for the Patriots: WR.

For reference, here’s a reminder of where the Pats stand before the draft, in terms of picks:

1. Round 1, Pick 29

2. Round 2, Pick 27 (59 overall)

3. Round 3, Pick 29 (91 overall)

4. Round 7, Pick 20 (226 overall, from Buccaneers)

5. Round 7, Pick 29 (235 overall)

Wide receiver

After losing Wes Welker and releasing Brandon Lloyd, the Patriots went to free agency to sign Danny Amendola and Donald Jones, then resigned Julian Edelman. Continue reading 2013 NFL Draft Preview: Some WRs Available for Patriots »

The NFL Draft begins on Thursday, and the New England Patriots approach it with just five picks, as a result of having traded their fourth-round pick for Aqib Talib, their fifth-rounder for Albert Haynesworth and their sixth-rounder for Chad Johnson over the last two years. The Patriots received Tampa Bay’s seventh-round selection in the Talib trade, giving them two picks in the final round, but will have no compensatory selections this year. All in all, these are the Pats’ five picks:

1. Round 1, Pick 29

2. Round 2, Pick 27 (59 overall)

3. Round 3, Pick 29 (91 overall)

4. Round 7, Pick 20 (226 overall, from Buccaneers)

5. Round 7, Pick 29 (235 overall)

Let’s take a look at the three positions the Patriots most urgently need to address in the Draft, and some of the players they could target come Thursday. Today, we look at defensive back.

Continue reading 2013 NFL Draft Preview: Patriots Could Use More DB Depth »

According to Jason LaCanfora of CBS Sports, the Patriots have submitted an offer sheet for Steelers WR Emmanuel Sanders, a restricted free agent. The Steelers now have five days to match the offer, which is a one-year deal.

If the Steelers let Sanders go, the Patriots would have to fork over a third-round pick to Pittsburgh.

Sanders had 44 receptions for 626 yards and one touchdown last year, his third year in the league. Continue reading Patriots Sign Steelers WR Emmanuel Sanders to Offer Sheet »

Here’s a photo of Tom Brady working out with new wide receiver Danny Amendola today at USC.

Just a reminder — It’s April 2, and football season doesn’t start for several months. Just win.

(Photo by Tee Martin)