A Different Take on a Patriot Draft Trade
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As I discussed yesterday, NFL analysts are jockeying for a spot in line to try and predict what the Patriots will do with their draft picks during next week’s NFL Draft. More specifically, they are trying to be the one who accurately predicts what trade(s) the Patriots will make with their picks. The most common scenario has the Pats making a selection with their first 1st round pick (17th overall) and then trading their second 1st round pick, 28th overall, with some quarterback-needy team, usually Washington or Minnesota. I have a different scenario to put on the table.
There has been some talk of the Patriots possibly moving up to snag someone they feel is a “can’t miss” prospect, or perhaps a guy who was rated as a top 10 pick but fell into trading range. UNC’s Robert Quinn and Clemson’s Da-Quan Bowers are possibilities, provided Bowers’ knee checks out. He was in Foxborough last week, and the Pats were likely examining the knee just in case Bowers, once considered the top overall pick, falls into their range. Both Bowers and Quinn would play OLB in the Patriots’ 3-4 and DE in sub packages as pass-rush specialists.
Consider this scenario. I’m going to keep it fairly general because it depends on who falls where on draft day, but this scenario would be a coups for Belichick & Co. The Patriots use their 17th overall pick and one of their second-round picks to move up and grab a pass rusher. Once the Pats’ 28th pick comes up, they trade it to the Redskins, Vikings, or some other quarterback-needy team for that team’s second-round pick and a first- or second-round pick next year, depending on the interest in the pick and how high they can drive up the asking price.
Under that scenario, the Patriots make out like bandits. They move up and grab a marquee prospect, a future pick, and get a second-round pick back after using one to move up. Essentially, the Patriots move up for free! Can you imagine the fawning over Bill Belichick the analysts will be doing on TV? Mel Kiper may actually lose his toupee!
In all seriousness, this trade scenario makes a lot of sense, provided there is a player available the Patriots feel is worth moving up for. Even still, they would have two second-rounders to use on quality players as well. I like this scenario more than the usual, “Pick at 17, trade away 28.” What do you think?