NFL Trade Verdict

New England Patriots Win

Cincinnati moved down in the 2012 first round and landed Kevin Zeitler plus third-round value, while New England moved up for Chandler Jones. Zeitler gave the Bengals legitimate value, but Jones became the highest-impact player. New England wins the trade.

April 26, 2012 Cincinnati Bengals ↔ New England Patriots Confidence: high Tier: major

Cincinnati Bengals Received

pick 2012 1st round pick (27th overall, Kevin Zeitler ) and 2012 3rd round pick (93rd overall, Brandon Thompson )

New England Patriots Received

pick 2012 1st round pick (21st overall, Chandler Jones )

Cincinnati Bengals

B-

New England Patriots

Trade Analysis

The Bengals did well to land Zeitler, a good offensive lineman. The Patriots did better by landing Chandler Jones, who became the defining player in the exchange. Cincinnati's return keeps this from being lopsided, but New England gets the clear edge.