Over the past two weeks, it has appeared as though the Patriots will inevitably use their first-round draft pick on offensive tackle Max Iheanachor, who would be groomed to become the next starting right tackle after Morgan Moses presumably retires. For the most part, fans have been on board with this idea, even getting excited about the possibility.
But what if that chance were taken away from them because another team decided he was too valuable to pass on?
ESPN's Mel Kiper predicts that to happen in his latest mock draft, which would be beyond devastating for the Patriots, who have been consistently connected to the Arizona State alum. We saw how Mike Vrabel interacted with him during his Pro Day visit last month, even getting involved in drills, so it's clear the head coach likes him.
Yet there's a chance a team just a few picks ahead of them snags him first, which is exactly what Kiper sees happening in his newest mock.
The 49ers are predicted to steal the Patriots' most rumored first-round target
Instead of having Iheanachor on the board at No. 31, the Patriots see their future star right tackle taken by the 49ers at No. 27, citing their ongoing negotiations with Trent Williams as a big reason for their decision.
Although Iheanachor has played right tackle throughout his college career, there is a belief he could serve as a swing tackle, so San Francisco would be banking on his ability to switch to the left side to become Williams' successor, similar to what the Patriots would want from the rookie, too.
Unfortunately, in this scenario, they won't have the chance to see what he could do, and that's a big hit to their big board going into the upcoming draft.
Iheanachor has been the most agreed-upon first-round selection for New England, other than EDGE Zion Young, with some analysts projecting the tackle could even fall to the top of the second round. But in this mock draft, he's taken before the even have a chance to consider him.
It would immediately force them to rethink their strategy and likely go with a pass rusher at No. 31 instead, which has been heavily rumored as well. They would then have to focus on getting a right tackle later in the draft, which isn't an ideal situation given the class's talent, but they need to find someone to replace Moses sooner rather than later.
Hopefully, this won't come to fruition, and instead, if they choose to pass on Iheanachor, it's their choice, not because he wasn't available.
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