New England traded picks No. 160 and No. 238 to Tampa Bay for…
New England traded picks No. 160 and No. 238 to Tampa Bay for No. 153 and selected Matthew Slater. Slater became one of the greatest special-teams players of his era, spending 16 seasons with the Patriots, winning three Super Bowls and earning 10 Pro Bowl selections. Tampa Bay drafted Josh Johnson and Cory Boyd; Johnson became a long-lived NFL backup, but his Buccaneers impact was modest and Boyd never played for Tampa Bay.
New England Patriots Received
- pick 2008 5th round pick (153rd overall, Matthew Slater)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Received
- pick 2008 5th round pick (160th overall, Josh Johnson)
- pick 2008 7th round pick (238th overall, Cory Boyd)
Trade Analysis
Why New England Moved Up
The Patriots sent Tampa Bay picks No. 160 and No. 238 for No. 153 late in the 2008 draft. New England used the acquired fifth-rounder on UCLA's Matthew Slater, listed as a wide receiver but valued primarily for speed, coverage ability and special-teams potential. Tampa Bay accepted a small move down and an extra late selection, a sensible way to create two chances from one pick.
What Slater Became
Slater turned a modest draft-day move into extraordinary value. He spent his entire 16-season career with New England and became a foundational special-teams player, captain and locker-room leader. He earned 10 Pro Bowl selections as a special teamer and was part of three Super Bowl championship teams. His receiving statistics were never the point; New England used pick No. 153 to secure an elite specialist whose career longevity and honors were exceptional for any fifth-round choice.
What Tampa Bay Received
The Buccaneers selected quarterback Josh Johnson at No. 160 and running back Cory Boyd at No. 238. Johnson appeared in Tampa Bay as a reserve and spot starter before becoming a widely traveled backup across the league. That long career reflects real talent, but most of its value did not accrue to the Buccaneers. Boyd never appeared in a regular-season game for Tampa Bay.
Why This Trade Still Matters
This is a reminder that specialist value can overwhelm conventional draft expectations. Tampa Bay created two selections and did not make an unreasonable move, but New England found a player whose contribution lasted through multiple championship cycles.
Final Verdict
New England Patriots Win. The Patriots earn an A+ for landing Slater, a 16-year franchise fixture and 10-time Pro Bowler. Tampa Bay receives a C- because Johnson offered some quarterback depth, but the Buccaneers' combined return never approached Slater's sustained impact.