There are a couple of issues at play here with how the Pats handled their 3rd that they traded to SD. I kind of agree with you regarding the need for a bit of new blood at the RB position and I was really hoping that Kevin Jones would sign with us for precisely this reason.
The one thing we do know here is that there will be a glut of quality runnuing backs available in the 2009 draft. But why trade that 3rd for what will almost surely end up as a very high second? How much is actually gained from this trade?
While none of us can really know what BB and SP are actually thinking regarding this question, we certainly can speculate. And with 3 days left until training camp starts, it's either this or actually doing some work.
From where I sit, the trade makes sense, even though we won't be jumping up a whole lot of slots because of how good San Diego is. Yes, it is possible that San Diego has a rotten injury plagued season and finishes up 8-8. However, it's far more likely that they will get into the playoffs and winning a game or two while there.
Its clear to me that a fundamental component of BB's draft strategy is to bank future picks whenever the situation allows. He clearly likes to have additional ammo at the draft and San Diegos high 2 fits nicely into this strategy. The flexibility that this allows him at the draft is something that he places a great deal of priority on. Its funny but I can't think of another GM who does this to the extent that BB does. Maybe he uses it to trade up when someone he really wants slides? Maybe he flips it with another pick for another teams 1st in 2010?
Regardless of what he actually does, it certainly gives him options and that can never be a bad thing for us.
For the 2009 draft, it looks as though we'l have our 1st, 2 seconds (ours and San Diegos) 2 thirds, (ours plus the comp pick for losing Assante) and 2 fouths (ours plus the comp pick for losing Stallworth)
Thats a $hitload of picks.
Dynasties are built through the draft and in 2009, if we use them all, we have 5 of the top 100 players coming out. This is how dynatsies are built.
I love that San Diego 2nd. If used properly (and BB and SP have a pretty good track overall) the pick will bring us something very nice. I guarentee it!
Respects,
Rich