Washington and New England exchanged third-round positions in…
Washington and New England exchanged third-round positions in March 2003, with Washington receiving picks 81 and 140 for pick 75 and a 2004 fourth-rounder. Washington used No. 81 on Derrick Dockery, who became a durable multi-year starting guard. New England later used pick 75 in its move for Eugene Wilson and traded the 2004 fourth for veteran nose tackle Ted Washington. Both sides created important value, supporting an even verdict.
New England Patriots Received
- pick 2003 3rd round pick (75th overall; later included in trade with Houston for picks 36 and 117)
- pick 2004 4th round pick (104th overall; later traded to Chicago for Ted Washington)
Washington Commanders Received
- pick 2003 3rd round pick (81st overall, Derrick Dockery)
- pick 2003 5th round pick (140th overall; later traded)
Trade Analysis
Why the Trade Happened
Washington wanted to add draft volume in 2003 and moved back six spots in the third round. New England sent picks 81 and 140 for pick 75 plus Washington’s fourth-round selection in 2004. The move gave the Patriots a slightly earlier choice and a future asset, while Washington gained an additional current-year pick.
What Washington Received
The centerpiece became guard Derrick Dockery at No. 81. Dockery developed into a durable starter and spent multiple seasons in Washington, giving the club dependable offensive-line value from the trade. The fifth-round choice at No. 140 was later moved, making Dockery the clearest lasting return on Washington’s side.
How New England Used Its Assets
The Patriots did not simply select at No. 75. They included that choice with No. 41 in a draft-day move with Houston that brought back picks 36 and 117, used on Eugene Wilson and Dan Klecko. New England also traded Washington’s 2004 fourth-rounder to Chicago for veteran defensive tackle Ted Washington. Wilson and Ted Washington both contributed to championship-level defenses, although each required other assets or represented only part of a later transaction.
Why This Trade Still Matters
The downstream paths make this deal difficult to score as a clean win. Washington received a direct, long-term starter in Dockery. New England used its two acquired assets as important ingredients in later moves that strengthened a Super Bowl roster. Assigning all later value to this one trade would overstate the case, but ignoring that value would understate it.
Final Verdict
Even Trade. Washington earns a B+ for landing a durable starting guard. New England also earns a B+ because both acquired assets helped create meaningful championship-era defensive value.