New England

[barrett]

From an AFC east blog article on ESPN.

Belichick has done a masterful job of fielding a championship-caliber team while simultaneously positioning New England well for the future. The Patriots have two first-round picks and two second-round picks thanks to previous trades. The Patriots also have approximately $20 million in cap room to spend in free agency.

Amazing that they are playing for the future more than any team in the NFL while playing for the Superbowl. And one more reason it is a shame we missed out on this year with Schaub going down. The AFC may not be this down again for some time.

[HPF Bob]

It amazes me how the rich always seem to get richer in the draft. First, it was the Cowboys who were always trading up and down the board then you'd look and they had 4-5 picks in the first three rounds the following season. Now, it looks like the Patriots are the team that does that. It's amazing so few other teams do. Rick Smith has done very little moving around on draft day and even less stockpiling picks for future drafts.

[barrett]

Somehow it was accepted logic that the Falcons traded away a big chink of their future because they were one player away and were in win now mode. The Patriots meanwhile have been in win now mode for a decade and never traded away for the future, AND stockpiled future picks of their own and cap space.

[Nconroe]

Ythe Pats have done that past four years or so. They would get a extra third as compensation for letting an older veteran go in FA. Then seem to trade down for extra picks as well. They haven't had two one's and two two's till this year.

They have Tom Brady which helps a lot no matter who else they have.

Does new CBA reward letting experience go in same way?

[NBT]

Originally Posted by HPF Bob

It amazes me how the rich always seem to get richer in the draft. First, it was the Cowboys who were always trading up and down the board then you'd look and they had 4-5 picks in the first three rounds the following season. Now, it looks like the Patriots are the team that does that. It's amazing so few other teams do. Rick Smith has done very little moving around on draft day and even less stockpiling picks for future drafts.

Not exactly true. Rick Smith traded around more in this past Draft than any other Draft I can remember. And the results speak for themselves We are not on par with the Patriots yet, but we are learning.