The New England Patriots have set the standard for excellence in the NFL. From top to bottom, the organization is run like a well-oiled machine. Since Bill Belichick became coach in 2000, the Patriots have consistently found the right players to not only fit their system, but to believe in what Belichick is preaching.

New England has also become known over the years for hoarding draft picks and often trading out of the first round. In the upcoming draft, many people feel New England will garner a high draft pick in the first round if they choose to part ways with backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, who is gaining interest from quarterback-needy teams.

The Patriots have found a way to make trades work in their favor before, especially with players teams had written off. With that, here is a list of the three best trades of the Belichick era.

Corey Dillon, running back

Dillon had established himself as one of the game’s best running backs prior to coming over to the Patriots from the Cincinnati Bengals. In Cincinnati, Dillon rushed for over 1,000 yards in six of seven seasons and set what was, at the time, the all-time record for rushing yards in a game (278, which broke Walter Payton’s record of 275 set in 1977). Even though Dillon was viewed as pariah by many in and around the organization, the pairing of him and Belichick was perfect. Dillon rushed for 1,635 yards and 12 touchdowns in his first season in New England, helping the Patriots win their third Super Bowl in four seasons.

Randy Moss, wide receiver

Most people had written Randy Moss off after two lackluster years with the Oakland Raiders, in which he totaled just over 1,550 yards with only 11 touchdowns. So, when New England traded for him during the 2007 draft, many wondered what, if anything, Moss had left in the tank. Well, in his first year with the Patriots, New England set offensive records left and right en route to a perfect 16-0 regular season. Moss set the single-season record for receiving touchdowns with 23 and provided Tom Brady with his first viable threat at wide receiver. While the Patriots weren’t able to complete the perfect season, losing to the New York Giants in the Super Bowl, the trade was one of the best in NFL history.

Wes Welker, wide receiver

For a pair of seventh-round picks, the Patriots were able to snag little-known Wes Welker from the Miami Dolphins prior to the 2007 season. Welker became an instant contributor in the slot, and over the years proved to be one of Brady’s favorite go-to receivers. Welker totaled 7,459 yards and 37 receiving touchdowns in his six years with the Patriots. Even though he cost New England a Super Bowl victory, the Welker trade was one that further proved New England’s ability to find hidden talent and maximize it.