Mark Craig: No matter what, Patriots get what they want

The New England Patriots might lose a Super Bowl once in a while, but no one beats this dynasty on draft day.

No one. Not even NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.

Sheriff Goodell stripped the Patriots of their own No. 1 pick as punishment for filming the Jets' defensive signals in violation of league rules in Week 1 last season. Yet the Patriots still managed to fill their biggest need -- linebacker -- with a top-10 pick while trading down to acquire another third-round selection and give themselves five picks in the top three rounds.

In a league that demands parity and frowns on cheating, that's an impressively resourceful day for a team that went 18-1 and cheated last season. But it's hardly a surprise. After all, being a step ahead of everybody else is what Patriots coach Bill Belichick and vice president of player personnel Scott Pioli do best.

Especially on draft day.

The reason Goodell's punishment lacked its full bite potential on Saturday is the Patriots already fleeced the San Francisco Bay Area in last year's draft. Goodell took away what became the 31st pick in this year's draft, but the Patriots had already robbed the 49ers of what would become the seventh pick. And, boy oh boy, it's the robbery that keeps on giving. Here's how it breaks down ... so far:

• On Day 1 of the 2007 draft, the 49ers gave the Patriots their first-round pick in 2008 and the 110th pick overall in 2007 for the right to pick offensive tackle Joe Staley 28th overall.

• The Patriots shipped that 110th overall pick back to the Bay for Oakland receiver Randy Moss. Moss caught 98 passes for 1,493 yards and an NFL-record 23 touchdowns. The Raiders used the 110th pick on defensive back John Bowie, who had one tackle in two games last season. Just Wince, Baby.

• The Patriots swung the first of nine first-round trades Saturday, moving down three spots to 10th in a trade with New Orleans. The Patriots also got the Saints' third-round pick (78th overall) in exchange for New England's fifth-round pick. And, oh yeah, New England also got exactly what it needed most at No. 10: Jerod Mayo, a linebacker with size (6-1, 242), speed (4.57) and the ability to play any of New England's four linebacker positions.

• And, finally, the Patriots get to use that 78th pick this morning. Or maybe they'll package it in a trade to get even more bang out of the Joe Staley heist.

So to recap last year's trade with San Francisco, it ultimately led to the Patriots filling their biggest need on offense last year (Moss), their biggest need on defense this year (a fast linebacker younger than 30) and dodging the NFL commissioner's punishment paddle in between.

But don't feel bad, 49ers fans. The Patriots also did a number on Miami last year, sending picks in the second and seventh rounds for a pretty good little receiver named Wes Welker.

Naturally, Saturday's level of success depends on Mayo's development. But considering Belichick's history with great linebackers, let's assume the odds are in Mayo's favor. Plus, when your starting linebackers are 39 (Junior Seau), 34 (Tedy Bruschi), 32 (Mike Vrabel) and 30 (Adalius Thomas), a rookie who made 140 tackles in the SEC last year is a welcome addition.

The Patriots filled their second biggest need when they used their second pick (62nd) on Colorado cornerback Terrence Wheatley. The ESPN yackers called it a reach, but, hey, if Belichick can turn a receiver (Troy Brown) and a forgettable former Vikings practice squad player (Earthwind Moreland) into serviceable corners during a Super Bowl season (2004), then there's a good chance he can do something with a second-rounder who runs a 4.37 40.

After a night to regroup, Belichick and Pioli will have three picks in the third round, one in the fourth (129th overall), one in the sixth (197th) and one in the seventh (238th). And just in case you're thinking Big stinking deal! on that 197th pick, Bill and Scott picked a guy named Tom Brady with the 199th pick eight years ago.

Also, if you thought the Patriots were done punishing the Raiders for ill-advised 2007 trades, well, they're not. In a second trade between the teams last year, the Raiders gave the Patriots their third-round pick this year (69th overall) to draft offensive tackle Mario Henderson with the 91st pick.

Henderson played one game last year. The bet here is New England will pick someone a whole lot better than Mario Henderson this morning.

Mark Craig • mcraig@startribune.com