top-poster, exactly how are you trying to argue a 2011 1st rounder is worth a 2009 3rd rounder? When 2011 is here would you rather a 2009 3rd-rounder than a 1st-rounder?
If that were the case why don't as many of their future picks as possible right now and just stock up on 2010 picks, because the future value just goes down and down
The reality is that when you step out of the tiny world that is only 2009, a 2011 1st rounder is worth... well it's a 1st round draft pick! So for a guy who is managing not only the short term success but the long term goal of fielding a competitive team every year, the value is quite different.
Only in short-sighted analysis can you equate a current 3rd round pick to a future 1st round pick. The value to YOU may mean more in the present time, but the Patriots have a mission statement of being competitive year-in and year-out, you don't do that by overvaluing the present and undervaluing the future like many fans and outsiders tend to do.