Washington sent the 21st pick in the 2002 draft to New…

Washington's strategy made sense for a team that wanted a quarterback but did not need to take one at No. 21. The club sent that first-round pick to New England and received No. 32, No. 96 and No. 234. Washington used the final first-round selection on Tulane quarterback Patrick Ramsey, later moved the third-round choice in another draft-day trade, and used the seventh-rounder on Greg Scott. New England selected Colorado tight end Daniel Graham at No. 21.

Ramsey had moments that suggested Washington might have found a starter. He threw for 2,166 yards in 11 starts in 2003 and later posted some efficient stretches under Joe Gibbs, but injuries, protection problems and constant organizational change prevented him from taking control of the job. He finished his Washington career with a 10-14 starting record and was traded to the Jets in 2006. For a first-round quarterback, that is a disappointing return.

Graham was not a statistical star, either, but his role had real value. He became an excellent run-game tight end, started 61 games in five Patriots seasons and contributed to the 2003 and 2004 Super Bowl championship teams. New England did give up multiple picks to move up, so Graham's modest receiving totals prevent an elite grade. Still, the Patriots received a dependable starter at a position that mattered to their offense and special teams.

Washington's added picks create some protection against a harsh grade, especially because No. 96 remained useful trade currency in another move. The central goal, however, was finding a quarterback, and Ramsey never became the answer. New England paid a fair premium and got steady championship-era service from Graham. That gives the Patriots a modest hindsight win rather than a rout, with both sides receiving some value but neither landing a true franchise-changing player.