The Sports Xchange

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Despite the presumption that the New England Patriots would try to trade out of the 32nd pick in the first round of Thursday night’s NFL Draft — and even a Twitter report from the Boston Globe that New England dealt out of the spot a few slots ahead of the selection — coach Bill Belichick decided to stay put.

That led to New England filling out one of its top perceived needs by selecting Texas defensive lineman Malcom Brown. The 6-foot-2, 319-pounder certainly has the potential to fill the void left by the spring departure of Pro Bowl team captain Vince Wilfork, who was a mainstay at defensive tackle for more than a decade.

It also marks the second consecutive year that Belichick tabbed a defensive lineman with his top pick, having taken Florida’s Dominique Easley with the 29th pick last spring.

Despite the confusion over the possible trade — of which Belichick said simply, “Well, we made the pick” — the coach seemed rather content when he met with the New England media shortly after the selection.

“Based on the players that were on the board,” Belichick said, “we felt like he was the best player for us.”

Brown played a variety of spots across the defensive line during his career with the Longhorns, seeing more playing time on the outside last fall under the direction of first-year coach Charlie Strong. Married with two children, the 20-year-old Brown is perceived to be a mature presence off the field and a somewhat uniquely versatile force on it.

“I’m just relentless,” he said. “I want to be the best there can be and the best I can be, so I’m going to do that when I get there.”

Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia attended Texas’ Pro Day this spring and spent time breaking down film with Brown.

Though Brown clearly will be asked to fill a more stout role for the Patriots’ run defense in the post-Wilfork era, Belichick did acknowledge that his newest player is “athletic for 320.” Of course, Wilfork brought his own unique athletic style to his role.

While Belichick wouldn’t elaborate on any potential trade talk, he did admit that he and personnel director Nick Caserio were contemplating a number of possibilities as the first round came concluded, not necessarily focusing on addressing a need at defensive tackle.

“We tried to consider all the guys that could help our team at that point for value,” Belichick said.

In the end, the result was the selection of a Malcom, the team’s first official act since an interception by cornerback Malcolm Butler clinched a victory in Super Bowl XLIX.

Anything to the Malcom/Malcolm thing?

“Coincidence,” a relaxed Belichick said with a smile.

Belichick left the first round with a major need checked off and headed into the second and third days of the draft with eight remaining selections, including three the second day that could be used to address the cornerback or guard positions.