Thanks to Oakland, Patriots Picking #17
Following yesterday's final regular season game action, the 2011 NFL draft order for draft picks 1-20 in the first round has been finalized.
Thanks to the Raiders finishing the season at 8-8, the Patriots will have the 17th overall selection. New England acquired this pick from the Richard Seymour trade two seasons ago. While many fans had hoped to have a top ten selection, it seems less necessary thanks to the tremendous play they've gotten from each of their picks from this year's draft.
It should be an interesting offseason even after this amazing year comes to an end. They have six picks in the first three rounds in April's draft, which should set them up well for both next year and future seasons.
The good news is one thing is probably certain - thanks to Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski, it's doubtful they'll use one of those selections on a tight end.
