Patriots: Is trading up in draft for Trey Lance realistic?

The New England Patriots need to find their quarterback of the future in this coming NFL Draft. Many would argue there’s no better opportunity.

Bill Belichick has his highest first-round draft selection since 2008 and this class is loaded with QB talent.

Unfortunately, it just so happens that plenty of teams ahead of the Pats also need a new signal caller.

The Jaguars, Jets, 49ers, Falcons and Broncos are teams expected to draft one (on a scale of “definitely” to “likely”), which means Trevor Lawrence, Zach Wilson, Trey Lance, Justin Fields and Mac Jones could be off the board by the No. 9 pick.

That means the Patriots are likely going to have to trade up to get involved here since they’re down at No. 15. It’s been long speculated Fields could fall out of the top nine, which would give New England a favorable opportunity to land him, but after his second pro day, it seems he could go top-five now.

In theory, the Pats might be able to settle for Mac Jones, but what about a trade up for Lance? Is it realistic?

Lance, who’s played in just 18 career college games, figures to be a developmental project, which perfectly lines up with the Patriots’ plans. Expect Cam Newton to get another year under center as the starter as the team looks to get back to the postseason. That would allow whichever draft prospect the Pats select to sit on the sidelines, hold a clipboard, and learn the complex offense before being unleashed in 2022.

Aside from Lawrence, some draft analysts would argue Lance is next most talented QB given his arm strength and ability to use his legs. But the jury is still out because of his limited time played in Division 1-AA.

Nonetheless, a trade into the top-five will cost the Pats a lot. And it’s going to be very hard when you realize the first four teams are almost guaranteed to take a QB.

By then, Lance could be gone. It all depends on what the Falcons and 49ers do. If the Niners draft Mac Jones at No. 3, maybe the Falcons like their prospects with Fields over Lance. But even then, the Patriots would likely have to strike a deal with the Cincinnati Bengals, who hold the No. 5 pick, to avoid having somebody else swoop in and take Lance.

It also hinges on the Patriots being comfortable parting with a solid amount of assets. On the bright side, they simply do not need all of the draft selections they have this year after filling out their roster with a ton of free agent signings. However, Belichick rarely trades up and rarely trades his picks. Trading up to five, which, at this juncture, seems like their best bet to land a guy like Lance, will cost the Patriots next year’s first-rounder, this year’s second rounder, and more (this year’s top fourth-rounder and next year’s second-rounder? Or maybe another future first-rounder?). Look at the 49ers’ move into the top-three for reference. It’ll cost less but will be somewhat similar.

Unfortunately, this move is teetering toward “unrealistic” territory, but the silver lining here is that the Patriots simply need to add one of these top prospects, so they might mortgage their top draft assets this year and next to make it happen.

And what does it matter? The Pats haven’t really made good first- or second-round picks in a while, so might as well avoid that happening again and potentially set yourself up for the next 15 years if you take the right QB.

Patriots: Matt Patricia dictating draft process doesn’t feel great

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