NFL Trade Verdict

Even Trade

Summary: Pittsburgh moved up from 17th to 14th overall in the 2023 draft, sending a fourth-round pick to New England to select offensive tackle Broderick Jones. Christian Gonzalez, taken at #17 by New England, became a 2023 Pro Bowl cornerback as a rookie. Analysis: Pittsburgh paid a fourth-round premium to move up three spots for Broderick Jones, an athletic but raw tackle. Gonzalez turned out to be the better player in year one — a clear-cut first-team All-Pro rookie season cornerback. However, Jones has upside as a long-term blindside protector, and the trade was modest in cost. Original verdict of "Slight New England Edge" was appropriate but slightly generous to New England. Calling this Even with slight New England advantage is fair.

April 27, 2023 Pittsburgh SteelersNew England Patriots Confidence: medium Tier: major

Pittsburgh Steelers Received

New England Patriots Received

Trade Summary

Summary: Pittsburgh moved up from 17th to 14th overall in the 2023 draft, sending a fourth-round pick to New England to select offensive tackle Broderick Jones. Christian Gonzalez, taken at #17 by New England, became a 2023 Pro Bowl cornerback as a rookie. Analysis: Pittsburgh paid a fourth-round premium to move up three spots for Broderick Jones, an athletic but raw tackle. Gonzalez turned out to be the better player in year one — a clear-cut first-team All-Pro rookie season cornerback. However, Jones has upside as a long-term blindside protector, and the trade was modest in cost. Original verdict of "Slight New England Edge" was appropriate but slightly generous to New England. Calling this Even with slight New England advantage is fair.

Trade Analysis

Summary: Pittsburgh moved up from 17th to 14th overall in the 2023 draft, sending a fourth-round pick to New England to select offensive tackle Broderick Jones. Christian Gonzalez, taken at #17 by New England, became a 2023 Pro Bowl cornerback as a rookie. Analysis: Pittsburgh paid a fourth-round premium to move up three spots for Broderick Jones, an athletic but raw tackle. Gonzalez turned out to be the better player in year one — a clear-cut first-team All-Pro rookie season cornerback. However, Jones has upside as a long-term blindside protector, and the trade was modest in cost. Original verdict of "Slight New England Edge" was appropriate but slightly generous to New England. Calling this Even with slight New England advantage is fair. New England/Boston Patriots received 2023 1st round pick (17th overall, Christian Gonzalez) and 2023 4th round pick (120th overall subsequently traded, Carter Warren) and gave up 2023 1st round pick (14th overall, Broderick Jones). The partner grade reflects the same value curve from the opposite side of the transaction.