The Patriots sent their 61st overall pick to the Saints on Friday night in exchange for the 78th and 112th overall picks.
That addresses a large gap the Patriots would have had after they selected at 96. Previously, the Patriots were going to wait 100 selections - until late in the fifth - before they were on the clock again.
Now they are in position to get a body in that stretch. Their picks are now 78, 91, 96, 112, 196, 204, 208, 214, 221, 243 and 250.
Barring more trades, the Patriots will end their night with four new players.