New England paid picks No. 31 and No. 126 to climb six spots…
New England paid picks No. 31 and No. 126 to climb six spots for Dont'a Hightower, while Denver immediately recycled both acquired choices in its next draft-night move. Hightower became a championship-era defensive leader and one of New England's defining postseason performers. Denver still extracted useful value from the trade chain, but the Patriots landed the singular player whose impact lasted through multiple Super Bowl runs.
Denver Broncos Received
- pick 2012 1st round pick (31st overall subsequently traded, Doug Martin )
- pick 2012 4th round pick (126th overall subsequently traded, Jared Crick )
New England Patriots Received
- pick 2012 1st round pick (25th overall, Dont'a Hightower)
Trade Analysis
Why New England Moved Up
The Patriots entered the 2012 first round with two selections and used both aggressively. For their second move, they sent No. 31 and fourth-rounder No. 126 to Denver for No. 25, then selected Alabama linebacker Dont'a Hightower. New England was buying certainty on a defender it viewed as a fit for the middle of its defense.
What Denver Did With the Return
Denver did not simply make picks at Nos. 31 and 126. The Broncos immediately packaged both selections to Tampa Bay, receiving No. 36 and No. 101. Those became defensive lineman Derek Wolfe and cornerback Omar Bolden. Wolfe developed into a durable starter, posted 33 career sacks, and played a major role on Denver's Super Bowl 50 defense. Bolden contributed mostly on special teams and in sub packages.
How Hightower Changed the Comparison
Hightower became far more than a normal late first-round starter. He spent nine seasons with New England, earned multiple Pro Bowl selections, and was central to three Super Bowl championship teams. His fourth-quarter strip sack of Matt Ryan in Super Bowl LI was one of the defining plays of the Patriots' comeback. That kind of postseason leverage separates him from an otherwise respectable Denver return.
Why the Trade Still Worked for Denver
A B grade for Denver reflects that the Broncos converted the acquired capital into a quality starter and useful depth rather than losing value outright. The move helped a championship roster. The issue is simply that New England acquired the best and most consequential player connected to this exchange.
Final Verdict
New England Patriots Win. Hightower's longevity, leadership and postseason impact justify an A+, while Denver's productive conversion through Wolfe keeps the Broncos at a solid B.