My 140 man Patriots 2020 NFL Draft Big Board

The Patriots have a lot of needs and even more uncertainty as the off season grows near. Tom Brady is gone, McCourty and Slater resigned. Gostkowski was cut.The Patriots been signing special teamers but all three phases of the game are at risk. There is plenty of depth but the team needs starters. The Patriots could go after big names or the players considered the the top athletes in this draft or coronavirus willing, they could go after the best fits in the draft based on team needs.

I have heard people wanting top tier talent. People also want legacy players such as Jacob Eason or Thaddeus Moss. While Tony Eason and Randy Moss had their moment in the sun, are their kids on the same level? One thing is for certain, Bill Belichick is going to do him. That means nobody knows anything until it happens and then even that's not a guarantee.  

The Patriots have no tight end core. Hightower is the only star linebacker. The defensive backfield is old. The middle of the defensive line is open. The offensive line needs depth to compete with Cajuste and Froholdt. The Patriots need a deep ball receiver, and nobody is kicking threes.

With that said, Here is my Patriots big board for the best fits in the 2020 draft and the draft network link. Yes, I finally ranked all 140 players. There are a lot of names people are going to be looking for, that you won't find. There were maybe 5 players not available on the site, That I wanted to add. If you want to know who they are, go back and read my earlier two blogs where I talked about 2020 offensive, defensive, and special team Prospects.

I started with Draft Network's ranking and then moved guys down if they were higher than the guy a head of them on my list. There were some last minute additions and thus they're much lower than on normal lists.Grade my board and give me some feedback, please.

To Start, here are where I ranked the Top position players on the Board:

1) Ross Blacklock IDL  from TCU

2) KJ Hamler WR from Penn St 

4) Malik Harrison LB from Ohio St

6) Jalen Hurts QB from OKU

8) Darrell Taylor Edge from Tennessee 

9) Natane Muti IOL from Fresno St

18) Julian Blackmon S from Utah

21) Lamar Jackson CB from Nebraska 

22) Albert okwuegbunam TE from Missouri 

44) Calvin Throckmorton OT from Oregon

103) Jonathan Song K from TCU

113) Art Thompkins RB from UConn

119) Spencer Nigh FB from Auburn

• 1. Ross Blacklock DT

  

• 2. K.J. Hamler WR

  

• 3. Denzel Mims WR

  

• 4. Malik Harrison LB

  

• 5. Davon Hamilton DT

  

• 6. Jalen Hurts QB

  

• 7. Tua Tagovailoa QB

  

• 8. Darrell Taylor EDGE

  

• 9. Netane Muti G

  

• 10. Lloyd Cushenberry III IOL

  

• 11. Kenny Willekes EDGE

  

• 12. Quartney Davis WR 

  TEXAS

• 13. Alton Robinson EDGE

  

• 14. Jabari Zuniga EDGE

  

• 15. Nick Coe EDGE

  

• 16. Marlon Davidson EDGE

  

• 17. K.J. Hill WR

  

• 18. Julian Blackmon S

  

• 19. Justin Strnad LB

  

• 20. Markus Bailey LB

  

• 21. Lamar Jackson CB

  

• 22. Albert Okwuegbunam TE

  

• 23. Cheyenne O'Grady TE

  

• 24. Jacob Breeland TE

  

• 25. Adam Trautman TE 

  DAYTON

• 26. Jeremy Chinn S

  SOUTH ILLINOIS 

• 27. K'Von Wallace S

  

• 28. Antoine Brooks Jr. S

  

• 29. Jonathan Garvin EDGE

  

• 30. Mohamed Barry LB

  

• 31. Shaquille Quarterman LB

  

• 32. Raequan Williams DT

  

• 33. Devin Asiasi TE

  

• 34. Colby Parkinson TE

  

• 35. Harrison Bryant TE

  FAU

• 36. Trevis Gipson EDGE

  TULSA
  

• 37. Tyler Clark DT

  

• 38. Jaron Bryant S-CB

  

• 39. Levonta Taylor CB

  

• 40. Reggie Robinson II CB

  

• 41. Joe Reed WR

  

• 42. Mykal Walker LB

  

• 43. Benito Jones DT

  OLE MISS

• 44. Calvin Throckmorton UTILITY OL 

  

• 45. Hakeem Adeniji OT

  

• 46. Cesar Ruiz C

  

• 47. Jonah Jackson C

  

• 48. Elijah Riley CB

  

• 49. Reggie Floyd S

  

• 50. Tyler Huntley QB

  

• 51. Justin Herbert QB

  

• 52. Bryce Perkins QB

  

• 53. Tyrie Cleveland WR ST

  

• 54. Omar Bayless WR

  

• 55. Gabriel Davis WR

  

• 56. Devin Duvernay WR

  

• 57. Isaiah Wright WR

  

• 58. Darnell Mooney WR

  

• 59. Marquez Callaway WR

  

• 60. Kendrick Rogers WR

  TEXAS A&M

• 61. Van Jefferson WR ST

  

• 62. Tino Ellis CB

  

• 63. Mike Panasiuk DT

  

• 64. Oluwole Betiku Jr. EDGE

  

• 65. Jonathan Greenard EDGE

  

• 66. Cole McDonald QB

  

• 67. Jake Luton QB

  

• 68. Josiah Coatney DT

  OLE MISS

• 69. Malcolm Perry QB RB WR KR PR

  NAVY

• 70. Kevin McGill CB

  

• 71. Darrion Daniels DT

  

• 72. McTelvin Agim DT

  

• 73. Bravvion Roy DT

  

• 74. Christopher Fredrick CB

  

• 75. Kamren Curl CB

  

• 76. Dane Jackson CB

  

• 77. Branden Bowen OT

  

• 78. Yasir Durant IOL

  

• 79. Mekhi Becton OT

  

• 80. Brian Cole S

  

• 81. Nigel Warrior S

  

• 82. Tanner Muse S

  

• 83. Jaylinn Hawkins S

  

• 84. Blake Ferguson S

  

• 85. Steven Wirtel S

  

• 86. Tommy Kraemer IOL

  

• 87. Darryl Williams IOL

  

• 88. Keith Corbin WR

  

• 89. Giovanni Ricci TE

  

• 90. Ahmad Wagner TE

  

• 91. Kohl Levao OT

  

• 92. Scott Frantz OT

  

• 93. Terence Steele OT

  TEXAS TECH

• 94. Alex Givens OT

  OLE MISS

• 95. Matt Hennessy IOL

  

• 96. Caleb Kelly EDGE

  

• 97. Cameron Brown LB

  

• 98. Francis Bernard LB

  

• 99. Logan Wilson LB

  

• 100. Marcel Spears Jr. LB

  

• 101. Caleb Kelly LB

  

• 102.

  Alvin Jr. Davis CB

  

• 103. Jonathan Song K

  

• 104. Rodrigo Blankenship K

  

• 105. Samuel Sloman K

  

• 106. Josh Love QB

  

• 107.Jordan Love QB

  

• 108. Jared Pinkney TE

  

• 109. Josiah Deguara TE

  

• 110. Brycen Hopkins TE

  

• 111. Hunter Bryant TE

  

• 112. Thaddeus Moss TE

  

• 113. Art Thompkins RB

  

• 114. Dre Brown RB

  

• 115. Maurice Thomas RB

  MIAMI OHIO

• 116. Gerold Bright RB

  

• 117. Sewo Olonilua RB

  

• 118. Pete Guerriero RB

  

• 119. Spencer Nigh FB

  

• 120. Dayton Furuta FB LB

  

• 121. Kelvin Smith H-Back

  

• 122. A.J. Dillon FB

  

• 123. Richie Worship FB

  

• 124. Tony Jones Jr. RB

  

• 125. DeeJay Dallas RB

  

• 126. Salvon Ahmed RB

  

• 127. Kyahva Tezino LB

  

• 128. Asmar Bilal LB

  

• 129. Easop Winston WR

  

• 130. Stephen Sullivan TE

  

• 131. Kash Daniel LB

  

• 132. Michael Pinckney LB

  

• 133. Stanford Samuels III CB

  

• 134. James Wiggins S

  

• 135. Khaleke Hudson S

  

• 136. Michael Divinity Jr. EDGE

  

• 137. Patrick Nelson S

  SMU

• 138. Blake Lynch WR

  

• 139. Rex Sunahara S

  

• 140. Jake Koehnke K - AIR FORCE

https://thedraftnetwork.com/bigboard/vcUhG8DxWG

Patriots best fits at Utility positions.

These names I have had of possible draft picks. NFL free agents are more time consuming for special teamers and utility players. Here are the 2020 draft Prospects and Best fits for the Patriots. These  three positions will most likely be 7th round undrafted signings. Thus I am not going to take time to write a full report of each player.

Half Back - Special Teamers:

Tra Minter South Alabama

Art Thompkins UConn

Jason Huntley New Mexico St

Dre Brown Illinois

Maurice Thomas Miami Ohio

Gerold Bright Utah ST

AJ Hines Duquesne

Tracy James Abilene Christian

Sewo Olonilua TCU

Fullbacks:

Spencer Nigh Auburn

Dayton Furuta Hawaii

Kelvin Smith North Texas

Kicker:

Johnathan Song TCU

Rodrigo Blankenship Georgia

Jake Koehnke Air Force

Sam Sloman Miami Ohio

If signed these guys would be camp battles and projected practice squad players. While I think Bolden, Burkhead, Devlin, Johnson, and Gostkowski could lose their jobs to these players. The importance of acquiring them is rather low when the Patriots have needs at tight end, defensive line, linebacker, and Quarterback, that are all more pressing.

10 Top fits at tight end in the 2020 draft for the Patriots.

The one thing the Patriots needed in both the 2018 and 2019 season were pass catching tight ends. Belichick waited on Gronkowski, who retired. Then signed both Seferian Jenkins and Watson one bailed and the other was barely useful. Ryan Izzo started to emerge as the number one in 2019 before a concussion ruined his season. While we as fans expect a free agent signing, here are the 10 best fits in the 2020 NFL draft.

Albert Okwuegunam

6'5" 260 LBS

Missouri 

Intelligent, Athletic and versatile, Still developing his route tree but has speed to separate. Is going to exploit seam routes with his size and ability to track the ball. Catches through in traffic and through contact with strong, natural hands. Has ability to win 50/50, jump balls, and make circus catches with a large radius. Hard to say if he's a more dangerous target in the red zone or in the endzone from the goalie. An inline blocker with room for development and can play move tight end or H-Back role. Has some injury history, and questions about his ability to run underneath. Projected Day 2 developmental prospect. 27 games, 98 catches for 1187, with 23 touchdowns and a 12.1 average.

Cheyenne O'Grady 

6'4" 258 LBS

Arkansas 

Smart, agile and versatility, aligning both inline, move, and H-Back tight end. Decent blocker with room for improvement. Good route runner with soft hands, who catches in traffic. Doesn't drop the ball and has a large catch radius. Finds ways to get open and doesn't go down easy, picking up hard yards after the catch. Good ball tracking, wins jump and contested balls. Basketball court playstyle. Injury history and off field conerns including a DUI push him back to a projected day 3 developmental Prospect. In 27 games, 87 catches for 967 yards. 11.6 average with 12 touchdowns. 

Jacob Breeland

6'5" 252 LBS

Oregon

Fast, deep guy. Athletic with a catch radius, who will win jump and 50/50 Balls. Catches in traffic. Doesn't go down easy and picks up extra yards. Solid inline or H-Back blocker, who's a dangerous receiver from the backfield. Versatile enough to get open going across the middle from the move position. Instinctive, knowing when to break off a route. Big bodied end zone and red zone threat. Concerns with Injury history. Projected a day 3 developmental Prospect. 30 games, 74 catches for 1225 yards, averaging 16.6 with 13 touchdowns.

Adam Trautman

6'5" 255 LBS

Dayton

Trautman is a big, athletic tight end. Decent as an Inline blocker. Wins contested and 50/50 balls. Can play the H-Back, inline, or move role. Large route tree, will stretch the field or across the field. Fast and agile for a tight end. Picks up yards after the catch. Converted quarterback and basketball player. Concerns about his football smarts, and rawness at the position. Projected a day 3 developmental player. In 44 games caught 178 passes for 2295 yards. Averaging 12.9 with 31 touchdowns. 1 kick returner for 8 yards 

Devin Asiasi

6'3" 260 LBS

UCLA

Fast and athletic inline blocker. Runs good routes and sells the play action. Can stretch the field. Line up as the H-back or move tight end. Can catch in traffic and showed he can be clutch. Has a good catch radius which allows him to pick up yards after the catch. A raw project like former Patriot tight end Mike Williams. Concern about his weight. Will he get a good word from Belichick's friend, coach Chip Kelly? Projected day 3 developmental player. 16 games with 52 catches for 789 yards. Averaging 15.2 with 6 touchdowns.

Matthew Wilkerson

6'6" 270 LBS

Edward Walter's

College Ironman playing both tight and defensive end. Small school unknown. Quick, athletic with decent speed. Good hands and catches in traffic. Can stretch the field. Runs a lot of outs, posts, and streaks. Will get 50/50 balls. Can line up inline or as the move tight end. Decent at setting an edge and getting in the back field as a defender. Will occasionally drop into coverage. Not a lot of tape on this projected developmental udfa sleeper. In 2019 caught 19 for 293 and 4.

Colby Parkinson

6'7" 252 LBS

Stanford

Fast, Smart and Versatile. Good blocking skills. Athletic for his size. Decent route running ability, gets separation and tracks the ball down. Good hands with a large radius.  Will get 50/50 and jump balls. Redzone and goaline threat. Uses his size to pick up yards after the catch. Can play H-Back, Inline, or Move tight end. Projected day 3 developmental player who could use to add a little weight. In 31 games,  caught 81 balls for 1171 yards, averaging 13.5 and 12 touchdowns. Completed 1 pass for 8 yards and a Touchdown. 

Harrison Bryant 

6'5" 243 LBS

FAU

Quick and fast move or H-back tight end. Decent route tree. Undersized inline blocker. Good catch radius with small hands but gets separation. Good ball tracking and will win 50/50 balls. A little light for his frame, and has an injury history. Needs development but is being compared to Kittle. Projected as a early day 3 pick. 41 games, Caught 148 passes for 2137, with 14.4 avg and 16 touchdowns. 1 kick returner for 5 yards.

Giovanni Ricci

6'4" 240 LBS

West Michigan

Raw H-Back or move tight end. Good acceleration and speed. Thee redzone threat. Good route runner and decent run blocker for a receiver convert. Good hands, Athletic and agile. Good at getting yards after the catch and can stretch the field. Needs work on his pass blocking. Projected a day 3 developmental player. Compared to Trey Burton. 32 games. 98 catches for 1114 yards, 11.4 avg and 11 touchdowns. 

Ahmed Wagner

6'7" 240 LBS

Western Kentucky 

Move tight end, Former basketball player and receiver convert. Quick and fast for a tight end. Gets jump balls and makes circus catches. Has a large catch radius but needs to gain some weight. Redzone target. Causes defensive penalties. Raw with blocking, and questions about his route tree. Projected as a day 7th round - undrafted free agent developmental project. Drew 12 defensive penalties on 42 targets. Caught 15 for 254, with a 16.9 yard average and 2 TDs.

Top Nine Fits At Quarterback For The New England Patriots In The 2020 Draft.

Three questions surrounding Patriots nation are, will the Goat be back under center in 2020. Is Stidham ready to take over as the teams quarterback and if not, who do the Patriots take in the 2020 NFL draft at the position. Here are nine fits in order, that the Pats could select. 

Jalen Hurts

6'2" 222 LBS

Oklahoma 

Evolved over his last 3 seasons. A projected day 2 quarterback. Athletic with mobility, rarely spooked, will extend plays. Can make plays with his feet when the play breaks down. Team player with grit and clutch. Decent Zip, shows accuracy when it counts and forces quarterback spies. Dangerous and Intelligent, with good arm strength. Good deep ball but forcing it has got him in trouble. Needs to trust his offensive line instead of taking off and his receivers, as he will lock on to one instead of progressing. A leader and developmental player, should be a starter. Will stand in the pocket and deliver a strike with defenders barrelling upon him. Debate on whether he has to fix his mechanics.

Tao Tagovailoa

6'1" 218 LBS

Alabama 

Calm under pressure, steps up in the pocket while keeping his eyes down field. Good zip on deep balls for a south paw. Decent arm strength. Can read coverage presnap and commands the field. Helps his pass catchers pick up yards after catch. Mobile and athletic, a play action - rpo spread system quarterback who can scramble. Reads his progressions well for a developmental player.  Will force the ball into tight windows, and will have to protect the ball better while carrying it. Injury history will make teams hesitant on making him the face of the franchise. Projected to go in the first two rounds.

Tyler Huntley

6'1" 205 LBS

Utah

Mobile, will extend or make plays with his legs. Good run vision to get into the secondary. Very accurate, good arm with plenty of zip. Deep pass with touch, especially on over the shoulder throws. Eyes in the back of his head when sensing pressure. Doesn't force the ball into coverage. Tough, intelligent with good intangibles. Developmental player, who is still a bit raw and untapped at the position. Needs to work on his reads. A throw first quarterback, doesn't like the ball sitting behind the line of scrimmage and will bolt if his second option is covered. Has some injury history. Being projected as a day 3 selection. 

Justin Herbert

6'6" 236 LBS

Oregon Ducks 

Hurt his draft stock by returning for the 2020 season and may have exposed himself. Cannon arm used to force the ball into tight deep windows. Intelligent, Accurate with touch and zip, just not while on the move however. Needs to do a better job of leading receivers and throwing away from defenders on underneath passes. Questionable pocket awareness and below average ability to go through progressions. A mobile and athletic threat. Developmental system player with consistancy, ball security, and personality issues. History of injury. Who needs to work on his presnap eye test. Projected a top 64 draft selection. 

Bryce Perkins

6'3" 215 LBS

Virginia 

Quick pass spread offense, athletic scrambler with a good build. Accurate with good balance between touch and zip. Doesn't have the deepest arm. Quick release putting the ball where only his receiver can get it. Intelligent on reads and adjustments. Can extend plays with his legs. Stays calm under pressure giving his pass catchers time. Day three pick, still a  it raw, needs time to sit and develop. Inconsistent accuracy throwing on the run. Avoids the rush but appears uncomfortable when having to wait in the pocket.

Cole McDonald 

6'4" 220 LBS

Hawaii

The Rainbow Warrior has an Ideal cannon and frame for the NFL. Ran a spread run and shoot. Can read a defense, make adjustments and lead defenders away from pass catchers. Accurate gunslinger with strength and velocity. Throws a good wet ball. Will stand in the pocket and throw the ball into some questionable tight windows. Mobile with good pocket awareness. Needs to learn to take some off down field and to take take the short throw. Questionable Mechanics at the NFL level. Projected a day 3 developmental project.

Jake Luton

6'7" 230 LBS

Oregon State

National comeback player of the year and projected day 3 pick. Athletic and mobile quarterback. Has decent arm strength and can throw the ball into windows. Pocket awareness to step up and avoid the rush. Field general on the college level. Decent mechanics but needs to develop improve to increase zip. Aviods turnovers. Good accuracy, especially when throwing off balance. Trusts his receivers and will throw to covered targets. Too quick in hitting his check down receivers. Intelligent player who lives in the film room. When asked if he could fill Brady's shoes, he said "I bring it every day and prove that I'm a leader. No matter if it's a high or a low, I'm going to keep doing it every day. However, that pans out; I'm not going to be worried about filling anybody's shoes if I'm doing the best that I can do."

Shane Buechele 

6'1" 210

Good Intelligence, mechanics and accuracy. Throws into tight windows underneath. Good zip but below average power. Not a deep ball guy. Good pocket movement and awareness. Stays calm, can throw in the run and take what the defense gives him. Good pre snap read. Is good in pressure situations. Mobile enough to pick up yards with his legs. Needs to work on ball security and stop running into big hits. There is worry about his ability to hit guys down by the sidelines. Projected developmental day 3 pick.

Malcolm Perry

5'9" 190 LBS

Navy

Last on my list is this projected day 3 Prospect Navy Quarterback. More valuable player than Shane Buechele but not as good a quarterback. As I have said before many think he will be converted to slot, and myself as a running back. As Navy's quarterback I have to put this athlete last on my list. Team captain in college. Perry is an option passer or wildcat running back playing quarterback. Not quite on the levels of Lamar Jackson but still better than Joe Webb. Elusiveness and can see holes. Follows blocks. Quick, agile and can change direction to evade tacklers. Has a good side step. Can line up in the slot but there are concerns about his ability to seperate. Crisp route runner, who excelled on the quick hits. Decent blocking ability. Can contribute as a return man on punts and kicks, could be taught how to play gunner. A developmental talent that teams might want to try the Kordell Stewart approach and develop his quarterbacking attributes. If I am wrong and the league hasn't caught up to McDaniels, this could be an interesting weapon that cannot be ruled out as a future Patriots quarterback. 

The CBA, The Crying Millionaires, and The Working Man

Aaron Rodgers, Richard Sherman, Maurkice Pouncey, Landon Collins, Allan Robertson II, Russell Wilson, and several other upper class players are against the new CBA which helps the middle and working class players in the league.

The Players will vote within the coming weeks on the new CBA. If passed will go into effect immediately. This benefits owners as well as the working class of the NFLPA, and lock them into an agreement until the 2030 season has completed.

The upperclassmen of the NFLPA don't like that the new CBA would start immediately and would make the final year of the current CBA, Nul and void. There's extra money in it for them if the Final year stays, while there's nothing in it for the lower paid players.

By not adding two games, the NFL messed up, as there is uncertainty over which teams will be playing 9 home games. The league would not be able to add an 18th game until the CBA expires hurting expansion, if passed. Owners however, gave themselves until 2023 to figure it out.

If the CBA passes, the players are also looking at a jump from collecting 47% of league revenue to around 49%. The would be getting just under half of the league's money, and the percentage would not be allowed to be lowered by the league. The players would also get additional money from gambling, among other areas.

The lower class of the NFLPA, which is about 60% of the union, would see a 20% pay raise. Depending on years of experience, some players would make almost $600,000 more. Mr. "Discount Double Check" Aaron Rodgers is said to be against raising the minimum salaries. One must be curious why Aaron doesn't want his teammates to get a pay raise, is it so there's more money for him?

Current contracts would be adjusted to give players an amount equal to a 1/17 percentage of their current contract as a bonus for the 17th game.

The Upperclass are upset that their future contracts will not be fully guaranteed. They want to remove the safety nets the league has used to protect themselves from player injury or early retirement removed.

However, the league made changes to the guaranteed money, and the fully funded rule, that will allow the members of the NFLPA to negotiate for more guaranteed money when the players sign/resign contracts.

With the 17th game teams add two more players to the active roster, one required to be an offensive lineman. The practice squad will increase to 14 players by 2022 and those players will receive a weekly pay increase, as well as benefits.

Owners are protecting their assets, when it comes to players. They have voted to be able to call up two players from their practice squad each week, bringing the active roster to 55. Each player can be called up and sent down twice before having to be sent through the waiver process.

Teams will have to learn to manage this as each time a player is called up, they receive active roster pay instead of their practice squad checks. This will also give players a better chance of earning a paycheck.

Teams will still only be able to use one tag on players. Rookie contract players will get raises/bonuses for play, and the 5th year options will be fully guaranteed.

Players will now receive paychecks over 8 months of the year, instead of the current system of 4 months.

There is also a veteran signing benefit, allowing teams to sign two veterans of over four years experience to contracts and a % will be paid for by the league.

There will be pay increases based on performance, as well as additional pay for playing in the pre and post season games. The league will also be providing more benefits for current and former players.

Todd Marinovich, Rob Gronkowski, Josh "Flash" Gordon, and Marshawn Lynch will happy that the league will no longer be tested for marijuana. Drug test will will start two weeks before camp and players will be allowed to have 150 nanograms of THC in their blood. A medical board will determine if a player needs help and the risk of suspension will be low.

There will also be new rules for performance enhancing drugs and DUI, with set suspension for violations being written into league rules for fairness.

Goodell will be replaced with an arbitrator. Both teams and players should see less fines. The NFL in exchange increased punishments for players who holdout and all players who don't report to or leave camp.

Players will now make money off training camp, but not to the amount the upper class of the NFLPA want. Players will also get paid for the first round bye week.

The new playoff rule will also see an elimination of the number two seed bye. This has angered the upper class of the NFLPA. As They are expected to see less time off in the regular season now as teams will fight to have a bye week off for extra planning, in the post season. Players will see pay increases all throughout the playoffs.

Players also won on international games and will receive more money from playing over seas due to lost revenues. This will help teams like Jacksonville who are set to play two games out of country.

The New CBA will help both sides. There are area's where the owners screwed themselves, like by not allowing for the possibility of an 18th game before the CBA expires. There are also the upper class elite of the NFLPA who don't benefit from this contract, as much as the working man of the NFLPA. Both sides will have things they don't like but as a whole, they should be happy with the CBA agreement, and should pass it soon. Making NFL and football fans very happy that football won't stop.

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.

The 14 best fits at receiver for the Patriots in the 2020 draft.

These 14 receivers in order, are the best fits for new england, based on team needs. They are also The players who will be available come the 23rd pick of the draft. The Patriots have more pressing needs but with the lack of separation, lack of a true deep threat, and help needed on special teams, this is still a much needed position in the draft. Every pass catcher in the draft needs development and these guys are no exception.

KJ Hamler.

Penn St 

5'9" 176 LBS

The Patriots need one good receiver. I'm not talking Randy Moss, Old man Amendola who resigned with Detroit, and poor Green is getting tagged by Cincinnati. The Pats need a guy who can stretch the field or go across the middle. Hamler is a speedy receiver who can create space for the underneath guys. He's also quick and can excel on drag routes from the slot or run seams up the middle. He's got game speed, gets and keeps separations and gets yards after the catch. Teams may want to use him on reverses, as he is good at causing missed tackles. He's a little on the lighter side but the bonus with Hamler is he can also not only return kicks and punts but be a gunner as well. Projected as a day two pick.

In two seasons caught 98 passes for 1698 yards, averaging 16.9 yards and 13 Touchdowns. 17 Carries 81 yards and 1 touchdown. Averaged 23.5 yards on 44 kick returns and averaged 6 yards on 37 punts.

https://youtu.be/T3S-Tc3eaBw

Denzel Mims

Baylor 

6'3" 215 LBS

Mims can fill the role of X or Z receiver. Good with contested catches with great leaping ability and a huge catch radius. He's a homerun target, and a redzone threat. His blocking could be better, and Mims needs to work a little on his route tree. A developmental player, with a high upside for a team willing to invest the time. Projected as a day 2 pick, Mims could fall to late in the third.

In four seasons caught 186 passes for 2925 yard, averaging 15.7 yards and 28 touchdowns. 

https://youtu.be/VWpRTQqUTj8

Quartney Davis

Texas A&M

6'1" 199LBS

A true receiver, he proved there's no spot he can't play. He's explosively quick and has good speed. Not afraid to block or run through traffic across the middle. Will come back when he is covered or the quarterback is in trouble. Has a good stop and start ability.  There is room for development but the only real issue is he had leg issues. Experts project him to go in the later rounds..

In two seasons caught 99 passes for 1201 yards, averaging 12.1 yards and 11 touchdowns. He had 8 carries for 45 yards.

https://youtu.be/hLZQa16wRX4

KJ Hill

Thee (I wish we were Hawaii) Ohio St. Buckeyes

6'0" 192"

A quick slot receiver who needs to add to his route tree. Seems to have good awareness with his routes and his development may have been hindered by the changes at quarterback. He will catch in traffic, and can get seperation. Not a guy teams want to leave alone in space. Another bonus is he can play special teams as a returner. There are some areas that need improvement, which is why he is Projected a day 3 pick. 

In four seasons he caught 201 passes for 2332 yards, averaging 11.6 yards per carry and 20 touchdowns. He averaged 5.6 yards on punt returns and 20 yards on 8 kickoffs.

https://youtu.be/h16SsSYYrJQ

Joe Reed

Virginia

6'1" 225 LBS

Reed could be used like former Patriot Patterson. He can play the slot or outside and has dangerous speed. Has homerun talent. Takes what the defense gives him and isn't afraid to catch in traffic. He was in the backfield on occasion in college. A nasty kick returner and coverage specialist. A low risk high reward day 3 pick if the Patriots are willing to develop him. Reed is projected as an undrafted free agent, and has to be on the current superbowl champions radar.

In four years*, he caught 129 passes for 1465 yards, averaging 11.4 yards per catch an 16 touchdowns. 34 carries for 172 yards and 1 Touchdown. 7 tackles, 28.7 yard average and 5 touchdowns on 106 kickoffs (*Technically 3 years)

https://youtu.be/cozSt1PCIpM

Tyrie Cleveland 

Florida

6'3" 205LBS

A gunner with some kick returning experience. An X receiver who is more dangerous in short underneath routes. He would do well to learn a bigger route tree, and so he can fill that Chris Hogan flanker role. Not afraid to run block. If he gets the ball in space he's gone. Is a redzone target. With Matthew Slater getting close to retirement, it makes sense to find his replacement before he's out the door. Projected as a late round or undrafted free agent.

In four years caught 79 passes for 1271 yards, Averaging 16.1 yards and 8 touchdowns. 8 tackles, averaging 24.2 yards on 10 kickoffs. 

https://youtu.be/AT57MEnhLCs

Omar Bayless

Arkansas State

6'3" 210LBS

Another X receiver who can come down with the ball and can play in the slot. Should continue to be a redzone threat in the NFL, which is something the Patriots need. Vertical, athletic, and has shown he can beat man coverage. Something the 2019 pats receiving core struggled with. Projected as a late round pick.

In four years caught 176 passes for 2764 yards, averaging 15.7 yards and 26 touchdowns. 

https://youtu.be/APtPJSWlEKg

Devin Duvernay

Texas

5'11" 210

A deep threat with a large catch radius, who will sacrifice his body to block or to catch in traffic. Plays bigger than his 5'11" frame. Former high school track star makes him dangerous after the catch. A slot with X receiver speed. Does well with sideline catches and will pick apart zone coverage. Was a top 5 in both catches and yards in 2019. His play makes me think he could switch to corner, or be a double agent like former superbowl hero Troy Brown. A day 3 pick who can return kickoffs and needs to work on his route tree. Had enough upside for someone to pull the trigger, Will that be the Patriots?

In four years 176 catches for 2468 yards, averaging 14 yards and 16 touchdowns. 3.1 yard average and 1 touchdown on 11 carries.  9 tackles and 1 pass defended. 21.2 averaging on 26 kickoffs.

https://youtu.be/NEkOtV1AHMc

Gabriel Davis

UFC

6'3" 212

Red zone threat with a good double move to beat defenders. Fast enough to play the Chris Hogan flanker role, With ball skills to play the X. Had a productive 2019 season. Sideline threat on both short and deep throws. A good blocker. Who's wins contested catches, and it's hard to over throw him at 6'3" with his snake like arms. Projected as a mid to late round pick.

In three years had 152 catches for 2447 yards, averaging 16.1 yards with 23 touchdowns. 

https://youtu.be/5IK-uiDBEyI

Isaiah Wright

Temple

6'2" 220LBS

Compared to Mohammed Sanu, Another receiver who can do it all. He can line up in the backfield, at the X, in the slot, on the flank, under center, or as a return man. He has speed and quickness which is why Temple liked him on screens and shuttles. A video game character, who fell on his neck jumping over the wrong defender. Still needs some development but has potential grow into a NFL number 1 or 2, maybe even a solid third down back if teams want to convert him. Projected as a day 3 pick.

In four years caught 134 passes for 1552 yards, averaging 11.6 yards with 12 touchdowns. Had 552 yards and 3 touchdowns on 91 carries.  He also completed 2 of 5 passes for 40 yards.

https://youtu.be/Dx4i2nV-IXs

Darnell Mooney

Tulane

5'11" 175LBS

He could use to add 20 pounds but He's quick with good speed. He's your Ideal number 3 and back up slot receiver, who can line up in or outside. Will beat teams underneath with yards after the catch. Will turn quick slants into homerun plays. Has a decent vertical and can track down balls with ease. He can also return kicks and punts which will help him earn a roster spot, although he didn't do it much. A projected late round or undrafted free agent.

In four years, caught 154 passes for 2572 yards, averaging 16.7 yards and 19 touchdowns. Had 5 carries for 28 yards.

https://youtu.be/hCJzh7Aa2JM

Marquez Callaway

Tennessee 

6'2" 205LBS

Fast receiver with a large catch radius, comes away with 50/50 balls. He has the ability to go up and get the jump ball. Has natural hands, decent ball skills, and his size will force pass interference calls against opponents. He will need to develop his route tree but his speed and return ability make him a depth piece. Projected as a late round pick. Could fall into the lap of Belichick, just like Meyers did.

In four years*, caught 92 passes for 1646 yards, averaging 17.9 yards and 13 touchdowns. Averaged 13.6 on 40 punts, and 10.8 on 8 kickoffs. (Technically 3 years)

https://youtu.be/ier-xc4oD3k

Kendrick Rodgers

Texas A&M

6'4" 205LBS

Good Hands, decent vertical and a large catch radius. His speed is decent enough that he should stretch the field. Will win the 50/50 balls and is a redzone target. Will beat zone coverage due to his size and ball skills. He could use some development and Although he can play the outside, would make a hell of a Z receiver. Projected as an undrafted free agent, but will be a steal in the later rounds. 

In three years caught 68 for 786 yards, averaging 11.6 yards with 7 touchdowns. 

https://youtu.be/0nMFJbOM4Ng

Van Jefferson

Florida

6'2" 197LBS

Can play any of the receiver positions but will excell in the Z or the slot. Is a good redzone target and will win the 50/50 Ball. He is quick but not fast. Will get separation underneath, and cause coverage penalties down field. He's a decent blocker, and he can return punts. The Patriots needed depth in 2019 and he could step in and be that number 4 or 5 in year 1. Like many of this list, he is a special teamer, who still needs some development and is projected a day 3 pick.

In four years caught 175 passes for 2159 yards, averaging 12.3 yards with 16 touchdowns. Had 6 carries for 47 yards. 4 tackles with 1 pass defended.  Had a 4 yard average on 7 punt returns. 

https://youtu.be/hODC06BeKKg

Ask any Patriots fan and they'll tell you tight end is a priority but they'll also tell you the team needs help at receiver. The Patriots cannot afford to sit around and not try to make moves at the position. Getting receivers who can also contribute on special teams is a must as the team cannot afford to continue to sign players who are strictly special teams. These players must have caught the league's attention as Isaiah Wright from Temple was the only one not to have a combine invite.