The New England Patriots might be gearing up for an unexpected move on draft night in a few weeks with the third overall pick. While many draft experts predict the Patriots selecting a quarterback in the opening round, it seems that the team’s management isn’t particularly enthusiastic about the available choices in this year’s draft class.
Jacoby Brissett is the current New England Patriots QB1
At the annual league meeting last month, Patriots owner Robert Kraft expressed his desire for the team to select a “top-rate” quarterback in this year’s draft. Kraft’s sentiment is understandable given the current quarterback lineup consisting of Jacoby Brissett, Bailey Zappe, and Nathan Rourke. However, while Kraft may hope for a quarterback selection to satisfy the fanbase, the new front office and head coach might not believe that the talent available in this year’s draft justifies using the valuable No. 3 pick. As an alternative strategy, they could opt to trade out of the pick and utilize the acquired capital to acquire a quarterback in a future draft.
The Patriots are interested in trading the No. 3 pick
As per Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, the Patriots front office is open to entertaining trade offers for the No. 3 pick. Notably, they have scheduled only three official visits for quarterbacks out of their allotted 30. Breer suggests that this limited number of visits indicates that the Patriots are primarily considering a quarterback selection if they retain the No. 3 pick or a similar position. It implies that they may not be keen on trading down, acquiring additional picks, and subsequently drafting quarterbacks like Bo Nix or Michael Penix Jr. later in the first round.
Could the New England Patriots trade back into the top five?
Breer acknowledges the possibility that the Patriots might be employing a smokescreen strategy as they evaluate potential quarterback prospects. He cites the example of the Chicago Bears in 2017, who informed Patrick Mahomes they would select him with the No. 3 pick but then surprised everyone by trading up to draft Mitch Trubisky, a quarterback they hadn’t even met with after the NFL Combine.
Considering the Patriots’ various areas needing improvement this offseason, it would be logical for them to trade back from the No. 3 pick and acquire multiple quality players for their roster if they believe that the best quarterback option available at that spot might not meet their expectations for success in the NFL.
