Bill Belichick has done it again, trading the no. 28 overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft to the Saints for their second round pick (no. 56) and their first round selection in 2012.
In a way, it wouldn't be draft day without the Patriots trading down out of the first and stockpiling future picks. And, as is the case with many trades involving future picks, Richard Hill of Pats Pulpit doesn't see how the Patriots can end up as losers:
Coach Bill Belichick had been talking about the value of drafting a first round running back before the draft, so he clearly was not interested in drafting RB Mark Ingram. However, the New Orleans Saints were definitely interested. In exchange for the Patriots' 28th overall pick, the Saints gave their current 2nd round pick (#56) and their 2012 1st round pick. Looking at the draft chart, the Patriots have made a deal where they cannot lose in value (assuming that the future pick is worth the middle of the next round from this year).
One thing worth consideration is that, the four picks left between the pick they traded and their next selection at no. 33 were all offensive and defensive lineman, which are clearly the positions of need for the Patriots.