Damien Woody explained why he thinks the Patriots should trade down in the NFL Draft
"That roster is maybe the worst roster in the National Football League right now."
Damien Woody’s take on the Patriots’ draft position: The Patriots hold the third overall pick heading into the 2024 NFL Draft, and have an intriguing number of options to choose from.
One scenario is that New England, interested in drafting a specific player, makes a move to trade up. However, given that the Patriots are already near the top of the round, this option appears the least likely. Should the Patriots keep the pick, there are certainly a multitude of talented players to select from.
The third option, which former Patriot Damien Woody advocated for during a Thursday morning “Get Up!” segment on ESPN, was to trade back. Woody, who helped the Patriots win multiple Super Bowls blocking for Tom Brady in the early 2000s, explained that it might be the most practical decision given the teams numerous needs.
“Trade the hell down,” Woody emphatically recommended. “They have no infrastructure in New England, and when I say that, I’m talking about players.
“It would be a disaster if you brought a rookie quarterback in with that roster in New England,” Woody continued. “That roster is maybe the worst roster in the National Football League right now. I think you would do a disservice of bringing a rookie quarterback into that situation.”
Recent history seems to support Woody’s analysis. Though it wasn’t as high a pick, the Patriots did use a first-rounder on a quarterback only a few years ago (selecting Mac Jones 15th overall in 2021).
After a promising rookie season, Jones’s once future as the Patriots’ long-term starter fell into doubt after being repeatedly benched in a miserable 4-13 season. One of the main reasons was, as Woody noted, a lack of talent around him in the offense.
In order to help chart a successful rebuilding effort, Woody recommended a more patient approach.
“Trade down. They need picks,” he said. “They need players to restock that roster.”
The NFL Draft gets underway on April 25.
Trivia: Damien Woody started Super Bowl XXXVI at center for the Patriots. Who were the guards for the Patriots on the offensive line to Woody’s left and right that day?
(Answer at the bottom).
Hint: One went undrafted and joined the Packers as a free agent in 1997 before eventually signing with New England 2000. The other was an All-American at West Virginia before being drafted by the Lions in 1993 (joining the Patriots prior to the 2001 season).
Scores and schedules:
Tonight, the Bruins host the Golden Knights at 7 p.m.
Also tonight, the Revolution face Panamanian side Club Atlético Independiente at Gillette Stadium (8:15 p.m. kickoff) in the second leg of a CONCACAF Champions Cup matchup (New England won the opening leg in Panama last week 1-0).
Tomorrow, the Celtics play the Mavericks at TD Garden at 7:30 p.m.
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- Jake DeBrusk admits that trade chatter and future is in the ‘back of his mind’
Jerod Mayo’s combine press conference: The new Patriots coach spoke to reporters on Wednesday, discussing the team’s goals as the offseason rolls along.
On this day: In 1992, Ray Bourque notched his 1,000th career point assisting Bobby Carpenter clutch goal late in the third period to complete the Bruins’ three-goal third period comeback in a 5-5 tie against the Capitals.
Daily highlight: Tyrese Haliburton set up Obi Toppin for a perfect dunk in the Pacers’ 123-114 win over the Pelicans on Wednesday.
Trivia answer: Joe Andruzzi and Mike Compton
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