The Patriots have just issued their pre-draft press release, and there are some gems that we will roll out in the coming days. But some of our favorite information comes when they detail the players that have been taken with the 23rd, 34th, 47th and 58th overall selections — the first four picks New England holds in this month’s draft. Here’s a look at who has been taken with No. 23 the last 10 years. (Click on each name for career stats.)

2008: Rashard Mendenhall, RB (Pittsburgh)

2007: Dwayne Bowe, WR (Kansas City)

2006: Davin Joseph, G (Tampa Bay)

2005: Fabian Washington, CB (Oakland)

2004: Marcus Tubbs, DT (Seattle)

2003: Willis McGahee, RB (Buffalo)

2002: Napoleon Harris, LB (Oakland)

2001: Deuce McAllister, RB (New Orleans)

2000: Rashard Anderson, CB (Carolina)

1999: Antoine Winfield, CB (Buffalo)

In the history of the franchise, the Patriots have twice selected at No. 23, and have done well both times. In 1995, New England took cornerback Ty Law out of Michigan. Law registered 36 interceptions in his 10 seasons with the team, and set a club record with six interceptions returned for touchdown. In addition, he was part of all three of the Patriots’ Super Bowl titles. In 1987, the Patriots took offensive tackle Bruce Armstrong out of Louisville. Armstrong would go on to become the franchise leader in games played (212), suiting up for New England from 1987 through 2000.

We’ll have similar entries for the other picks up soon.