Philadelphia acquired cornerback Ellis Hobbs from New England…
Philadelphia acquired cornerback Ellis Hobbs from New England for picks No. 137 and No. 141. Hobbs started eight games in 2009, returned a kickoff for a touchdown and remained part of the Eagles secondary until a neck injury ended his 2010 season. New England immediately flipped the two fifth-rounders to Baltimore for Rich Ohrnberger and Jake Ingram. The Patriots found some depth, but Hobbs provided the stronger direct contribution.
New England Patriots Received
- pick 2009 5th round pick (137th overall subsequently traded, Jason Phillips )
- pick 2009 5th round pick (141st overall subsequently traded, Kenny McKinley )
Philadelphia Eagles Received
- player Ellis Hobbs
Trade Analysis
Why New England Moved Hobbs
The Patriots traded Ellis Hobbs to Philadelphia during the 2009 draft for fifth-round picks No. 137 and No. 141. New England had added Leigh Bodden, Shawn Springs and rookie Darius Butler, creating a crowded cornerback room. Philadelphia saw an experienced starter and returner available at a manageable price.
What Philadelphia Received
Hobbs appeared in eight games for the Eagles in 2009 and started all eight before a neck injury ended his season. He intercepted a pass and also returned a kickoff 96 yards for a touchdown. He returned in 2010, started seven more games and remained a useful return option before another serious neck injury ended his season and ultimately his career. The stay was short, but Philadelphia received real starting snaps.
How New England Reused the Picks
The Patriots immediately traded Nos. 137 and 141 to Baltimore for picks No. 123 and No. 198. They selected offensive lineman Rich Ohrnberger and long snapper Jake Ingram. Neither became a major starter, though Ingram handled long-snapping duties for two seasons and Ohrnberger supplied depth.
Why This Trade Still Matters
Both sides got functional roster value, which keeps the grades close. Philadelphia acquired the best individual contributor in Hobbs, while New England converted him into two lower-impact pieces.
Final Verdict
Philadelphia Eagles Win. The Eagles earn a B- for roughly a season and a half of starting cornerback and return value. New England receives a C+ because the converted picks produced depth and specialist value, but not enough to surpass Hobbs' direct contribution.