New England Patriots poised to own four top-100 picks in 2018 NFL Draft
The New England Patriots own two second-round draft picks in the 2018 NFL Draft.
After trading backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo to the San Francisco 49ers on Monday, the New England Patriots chose to stay put as the NFL’s 4:00 p.m. trade deadline passed.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, New England received the 49ers’ 2018 second-round draft pick in exchange for the fourth-year quarterback.
The Patriots are now slated to own four top-100 picks in next April’s 2018 NFL Draft: their own first-round pick, the 49ers’ second-round pick, and their own second and third-round pick.
As Super Bowl contenders, New England is expected to pick towards the end of the first, second, and third rounds. Meanwhile, 0-8 San Francisco could potentially own the top selection in Round 2.
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With an early second-round pick, a player with first-round potential could fall into the Patriots’ lap. In recent draft history, notable names such as Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (36th overall in 2014), Giants strong safety Landon Collins (33rd in 2015), and Jaguars linebacker Myles Jack (36th in 2016) have been selected at the beginning of the second round.
The idea of New England dealing the 49ers’ pick before Thursday’s trade deadline was hinted at following the deal, along with a suggestion they could look into moving cornerback Malcolm Butler. Despite the rumblings, New England chose to stay put, holding onto the draft choice in addition to their starting corner.
Although they didn’t make a deal prior to the trade deadline, the Patriots could consider moving the early second-rounder during the 2018 Draft.
In 2015, the New York Giants traded the 40th overall pick along with their fourth-rounder (108th) and their seventh-rounder (245th) to Tennessee for the Titans’ 33rd overall pick. New York would later use the selection to draft the aforementioned All-Pro strong safety, Landon Collins.
Next: Patriots sign Brian Hoyer to three-year deal
While New England didn’t address their roster ahead of Thursday’s deadline, with four 2018 draft picks in the top-100, the Patriots will have plenty of opportunities to add talent next April.