NFL fans believe Patriots head coach Bill Belichick intentionally messed up the Jets’ draft strategy on Thursday night.
The Patriots entered Day 1 of the draft with the 14th pick. Once they were on the clock, they traded that selection to the Steelers.
The Steelers then used the 14th pick on Georgia offensive tackle Broderick Jones. With the very next pick, the Jets selected Iowa State defensive lineman Will McDonald IV.
Many people around the league thought the Jets were targeting an offensive tackle with their first-round pick. If that’s true, they probably changed their plans once Jones came off the board.
Bill Belichick trading with the Steelers knowing they were taking the player the Jets wanted.pic.twitter.com/C8RrX779V8
— Thomas Carrieri (@Thomas_Carrieri) April 28, 2023
“Belichick blocks the Jets from taking an OT,” one person tweeted.
Belichick blocks the Jets from taking an OT https://t.co/BljXYkGWBv pic.twitter.com/CIgXcCGg4y
— Babz (@BabzOnTheMic) April 28, 2023
“You think Bill Belichick agreed to give the Steelers the 14th pick because he wanted to stick it to the Jets?? I do,” Gerry Dulac wrote.
You think Bill Belichick agreed to give the Steelers the 14th pick because he wanted to stick it to the Jets?? I do. https://t.co/By03HAaosk
— Gerry Dulac (@gerrydulac) April 28, 2023
“Hearing the Jets wanted Broderick Jones. Andy Weidl and Joe Douglas are BFFs. Steelers conspired with Belichick to screw Jets. You love to hear it,” Andrew Fillipponi said.
Hearing the Jets wanted Broderick Jones. Andy Weidl and Joe Douglas are BFFs. Steelers conspired with Belichick to screw Jets. You love to hear it !
— Andrew Fillipponi (@ThePoniExpress) April 28, 2023
Of course, the Patriots wouldn’t make a deal with the Steelers with the sole purpose of hurting the Jets. They would need to receive fair compensation in return.
That being said, affecting the Jets’ draft strategy had to be an added bonus for Belichick.