Patriots Trade Up For 21st Pick, Draft DE Chandler Jones

The Patriots first traded up for the 21st overall pick, drafting defensive end Chandler Jones of Syracuse.

The selection should help the Patriots pass-rush, as the 6-5, 247 lb Jones totaled 30 tackles and 4.5 sacks last season, and totaled 147 tackles and 10 sacks in three years for the Orange.

Jones was limited to seven games last season due to a knee injury.

New England sent the 27th overall pick to the Cincinnati Bengals, acquired from the New Orleans Saints in last year’s draft, and a third round selection in this years draft.

The Patriots also traded for the 25th pick from the Denver Broncos, drafting linebacker Dont’a Hightower from Alabama. The Pats sent the 31st overall pick and their fourth round selection to Denver in the trade.

With their two trades, the Patriots have only their two second round picks remaining in the 2012 draft.

Here is a transcript of Jones’s conference call with reporters after he was selected.

Q: Congratulations "

Click here to read the whole article