Why It makes sense for the Patriots to trade down.

The New England Patriots have between 18 to 24 spots needed to address and fill. They have 12 draft picks coming up, and The Patriots hold the number 23 pick in the NFL draft. Unless they plan to trade up, the Patriots have too many needs and a limited salary cap, that it makes sense for them to trade down. 

The Patriots need a kicker, even if it's a late round pick. Gostkowski was injured and there's no guarantee that he will return to form after a hip surgery. 

The Patriots are losing Joe Thuney and more than likely Ted Karras. The Patriots will need to replace both either in free agency or the draft. There are too many good offensive lineman, not to draft one. Plus with the team's cap, it would be more cost effective to draft. 

With Devin McCourty expecting to ask for top salary, letting him go might be the best answer. The Patriots have a deep depth chart but drafting a potential starter would be a wise move as Nobody has proven themselves. The Patriots are also getting old at the position l, so they could use to bring in some young depth to compete. Counting so far,  This would be their fourth and possible fifth picks spent.

Collins, Van Noy, and Roberts are all free agents. There's a chance all three could be gone. The Patriots played a 34 defense in 2019 and it was the best the Patriots have played in years. Drafting several of the athletic linebackers could make sure the Patriots continue where the 2019 Boogiemen left off. 

Then there's the edge and internal defensive line. Danny Shelton and Adam Butler played well enough to have teams after them. The Patriots didnt have much to sit across the line from Winovich at the edge. Spending 3 or 4 picks here would be smart. At this point, we're looking at the Patriots possibly having spent up to tweleve picks.

The tight end unit was lack luster. Watson retired, Lecosse is an expensive number 3 and Izzo out played him. Eifert and Ebron are the only two tight ends the Patriots have a realistic chance at in free agency.  Like the 2019 draft, the 2020 draft is loaded in talent at the position. The team could bring in two or three tight ends and rebuild their core. Jacob Breeland and CJ O'Grady could fall to day three. 

With AJ Green looking to be tagged, the Patriots are going to need to add to the position in the draft. N'Keal Harry, Sanu, Meyers, and Gunner could not get separation. If the Patriots don't get another slot that can who can seperate, it will be a long season; even if they get their tight ends. 

Then there is special teams and possibly a back up quarterback. There is not a guarentee that the Patriots resign Bethel or Slater. Slater was almost lost to the Steelers and has been considering retirement, even if he plans to play 2020. The Patriots return game was lack luster in 2019 and there are a few quarterbacks that could be better than an unproven Stidham in the draft. Jordan Love, Jalen Hurts, Tyler Huntley, and Cole McDonald are all day three candidates. With these picks the Patriots could be between sixteen to twenty picks. It all depending on how they want to draft, even with free agent signings and the current roster.

At the very least, the Patriots are short four picks to cover the minimum of their needs. With eight additional picks, plus free agency and undrafted free agent signings, that would allow Belichick to fill all the Patriots needs. 

There are going to be a lot of day three sleepers in the draft and Belichick is better with the later round and undrafted candidates. Bill is a thrifty GM and knows not to over spend in free agency, and this free agent crop might be the most overpriced in years. Not making moves in this draft could be dire to the future. In 2019 teams thought Bill was trying to fleece the NFL, in 2020 he needs to.