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Current status
The NFL draft is nearly a week away, and the anxiety is almost over. Every fan for every team is wondering who is going to be the next addition? There has already been a HUGE trade earlier this week with the Los Angeles Rams giving up the “King’s Ransom” to the Tennessee Titans for the number one overall pick. Nearly a week or so after the Rams trade, the Philadelphia Eagles trade with the Cleveland Browns for the second overall pick. They as well gave up a “King’s Ransom”. Who will they select?
After that trade and all of the rumors that more trades could be on the way, I began thinking about my New England Patriots. The Patriots currently have 11 picks in this draft, but only four of those picks are before the fourth-round. The Patriots do not have a first, fourth or fifth selection. With all of the trade talks creeping up as the draft approaches, is there a possibility the Pats could move up in this draft? YES!!!!
Why Should They?
The four-time Super Bowl Champion New England Patriots have a few areas they must address in this draft, DT, OT, CB, RB, & WR in no exact order. The Patriots could move up in this draft and some think they should. Hypothetically speaking if they are going to move up, they will have to package and give up some things. Why should the Patriots move up in this draft? Numerous reports have stated the Patriots may be targeting a young wide receiver early in the draft, and that could be the case. With the offensive moves the Patriots made this off-season, they still lack a young receiver to either play on the boundary, or eventually supplant Julian Edelman.
Bill Belichick could possibly trade into the late first or early second round, depending on the flow of the draft. As I stated earlier, the Eagles and Rams feel the only way to get their targets were to move up. If the Patriots believe moving up for a specific receiver is necessary, then by all means Bill, do what you feel is best. If they were to move up, I could envision the prospects they have their eye on would be Michael Thomas, Will Fuller, or Corey Coleman. If their guy falls into the end of the first or beginning of the second, I say go up and get him.
Why Shouldn’t They?
When speaking of trading up in the draft, it usually means you have to give up something substantial in order to make the move. The Patriots could package some of the five sixth-round picks they possess, to move up in the middle round. The Patriots truly do not need to move up into the first round of the draft, because this draft has some deep talent and is not truly top-heavy. This draft is so unpredictable that receivers could slide into days two and three. There are other receivers such as Leonte Carroo, Daniel Braverman, and the likes of Braxton Miller. The Patriots have more needs than just receiver, so it would not be the best option in some eyes. If the Patriots can maximize their 11 draft picks, they will be just fine.
Damian’s Opinion
In this article I broke down both scenarios for the Patriots trading in this year’s draft. I know some of you are wondering, what do you think Damian? Well, honestly I believe the Patriots should move up in this draft. Just not in the first round, this draft is has some deep positions and good quality players. It may not have the clear-cut “Stars” that most other drafts has, but good players. The Patriots can definitely move up in the middle rounds because having five sixth-round picks isn’t the best case scenario. This is a draft where the Patriots can continue to build on the franchise as the pain of the other clubs and the league.
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Damian Parsons is an Analyst for Couch Rider Report. Follow him on Facebook and Follow/Like us on Facebook or twitter.
