Although a win against the Bills in Week 18 slid the Patriots down the first-round draft order from the first overall pick to the fourth, they're still in a good position to improve their roster in more ways than one. The suspected route is that they will stick and pick, likely their next starting left tackle or maybe an EDGE, assuming that the best receivers are already off the board.
But there is some speculation they will still consider trading down with a team that might be hoping to land a new quarterback or even just to add more heavy hitters to their roster.
If that's the case, New England could have a long list of potential trade partners since this year's incoming rookie class isn't expected to be one to remember. They could add more assets to their pile of pick while also landing an impact player as part of the package.
That's one early prediction made by ESPN's Benjamin Solak.
The Patriots are predicted to trade away No. 4 pick for top offensive playmaker to pair with Drake Maye
In a new article published by ESPN earlier this week full of predictions from multiple analysts and experts, the Patriots are predicted to be interested in trading away their coveted pick in order to add offensive firepower for their presumed franchise quarterback Drake Maye.
It was clear that the lack of talent around him during the 2024 season led to significant problems for the offense, so with the Patriots' high cap space this year, prioritizing the offensive roster is expected.
Solak predicts they'll make a splash by trading their No. 4 pick to either the Seahawks for WR D.K. Metcalf or Bears WR D.J. Moore, both of whom would be tremendous upgrades for Maye during the 2025 season and beyond.
"After trying (and failing) in the Tee Higgins market, the Patriots will put together a solid trade for a veteran receiver. DK Metcalf and DJ Moore are the two names that make the most sense. The Patriots won't mind sending away draft capital for immediate contributors, as they plan to trade out of the No. 4 overall pick anyway."
Metcalf has been on the Patriots' radar since he was drafted in 2019, but mostly because fans were disappointed that Bill Belichick chose to select N'Keal Harry instead. He has become one of the more infamous draft busts under the legendary coach, while Metcalf has become one of the best receivers in the leagues in the five years since.
He would be a great addition to the Patriots receiving corps and immediately take over as the WR1, a role that they have had trouble finding the right guy for over the years. Metcalf would put their offense on the map and allow Maye to fully thrive, as he would be the best deep field threat they could ask for.
On the other hand, Moore is an intriguing prospect, as well. The 27-year-old has impressed since he was drafted in 2018. He has worked with several quarterbacks, many of whom were not great, and has outperformed the odds stacked against him. It's hard to imagine the Bears would be interested in trading him, given that they also have a young quarterback. But if they were willing to make an offer, the Patriots might have difficulty refusing.
Making the trade with Chicago might also be more beneficial for the Patriots, as that means they would snag the 10th overall pick instead of Seattle's 18th. Regardless, they'd get quite a return from the trade and address a significant issue with a trusted veteran playmaker to drastically improve Maye's offense.