The New England Patriots have plenty of reasons to be thankful this holiday season, but among the best is that the Jacksonville Jaguars exist.
Here, let us explain.
As NESN.com’s Patriots beat reporter Doug Kyed explored in depth in 2014, a series of 2009 draft-day trades essentially landed tight end Rob Gronkowski and wide receiver Julian Edelman in New England in exchange for cornerback Derek Cox.
The short version? New England traded out of the No. 26 slot in the 2009 NFL Draft, allowing the Green Bay Packers to select linebacker Clay Matthews. Among the picks it received in return was the No. 73 overall selection, which it later traded to the Jags for the No. 232 overall choice and a second-round pick the following year.
The Patriots selected Edelman at No. 232 in 2009, and used the other pick — the No. 44 overall selection in 2010 — to move up two spots to draft Gronkowski at No. 42.
Gronk since has evolved into one of the best tight ends in NFL history, and Edelman, then a quarterback, has become one of the best slot receivers in the NFL. New England has been to four consecutive AFC Championship Games since 2011 with those two on the roster, including two Super Bowl appearances and one victory (in Super Bowl XLIX last season).
Yeah, we’re pretty happy with that deal. We’re guessing the Patriots are, too.
So the next time you’re frustrated by Patriots coach Bill Belichick trading out of his draft position, just remember to be thankful instead.
Thumbnail photo via Stew Milne/USA TODAY Sports Images
h/t to FOXSports.com
