WATCH: Patriots Discussed Draft Trade with Commanders; Still Targeting Christian Gonzalez?
The New England Patriots began April's NFL Draft with the No. 14 overall pick. They ultimately traded down to No. 17 with the Pittsburgh Steelers and still got the player they wanted in cornerback Christian Gonzalez. But the path to the Oregon star almost detoured, as now we know the Pats sought a trade to No. 16 with the Washington Commanders.
With an eye on Mississippi State cornerback Emmanuel Forbes and the thought that the Patriots could take him from under their noses, Commanders general manager Martin Mayhew and head coach Ron Rivera mulled over a trade up with New England before deciding against it.
The Commanders likely breathed a sight of relief when Bill Belichick soon thereafter trading down with Pittsburgh behind their spot, allowing them to nab the player they had their eyes on all night - Forbes.
Had the Commanders traded up with the Patriots, Washington likely would have taken Forbes, setting the rival New York Jets up to take Georgia offensive tackle Broderick Jones. The Jets had their eye on Jones, but because the Steelers traded up to No. 14 to take him, New York settled for Iowa State edge rusher Will McDonald IV.
Regardless of how the trades would have shaken out the Patriots in all likelihood would have ended up with Gonzalez, who has looked strong in OTAs so far. New England appears to view Gonzalez as an immediate contributor at cover corner who flashes the ability to lock down his side of the field.
Though both teams walked away with their desired target, the front offices in Foxboro and Washington will likely compare and contrast the careers of Gonzalez vs. Forbes for years to come.
