A Target for the Patriots in the NFL Draft.

This is the Sixth pick in the article six targets in the 2020 draft to renew the Dynasty by Michael Johnson of Fan side. (The article was written before the Brady quit on the Patriots.)

K.J. Hamler, WR, Penn State

"The Patriots aren’t a team who’ll pass on a player that could change their offense. One of the things missing in 2019 was speed..." "Bill Belichick has taken flyers on veteran speed receivers. Brandin Cooks helped their offense a great deal but he was shipped away for financial reasons."

"They brought in Phillip Dorsett via trade from the Indianapolis Colts but he hasn’t panned out..." "Penn State’s K. J. Hamler is the guy the Patriots need."

Dorsett is gone but it's clear Dorsett did not revive his career like Belichick had hoped. Dorsett has promise, just not enough for the Patriots system. Part of that has to Fall on former Patriot Tom Brady. As Far As Hamler, He is more than just a dump ball receiver. No matter who is the quarterback, They will be able to let the ball fly. Look for a lot of quick hits to Hamler.

"People will try to talk themselves out of loving Hamler because of size at 5-9, 176 pounds. However, he brings too much to the table. No, he’s not a true boundary receiver but, at the line of scrimmage, he’s difficult to touch. He gets off with elite quickness and hand speed. As a deep threat, he’s second to none thanks to his speed." said Johnson

Anyone worried about height need only look at 5'10" AB or our own Julian Edelman. Hamler is a straight baller and will do anything asked. If they want a Chris Hogan or Danny Amendola Clone, he can do it. If all they want is a return guy, he's got them. If they want a Randy Moss Clone, He'll try but tell them to put down the crack pipe. 

Hamler is a weapon and more than a slot. His blocking will help in the run game, and he can stretch the field from the flanker spot as well. The Patriots run a version of spread offense and it's more likely he will be used as a slot but he can do so much more. Don't take my word for it. Look what one of the draft Network writers has to say.

"Pro Comparison: Brandon Cooks.  K.J. Hamler is a solid Day 2 candidate for teams looking for an electric playmaker to add to their receiver corps, and is of even higher value to spread-oriented offenses that want a starting slot through whom they can funnel much of their base/series offense. Hamler is at his best in the RPO game, where he can win against leverage against conflicted overhang defenders, then beat second- and third-level angles and turn simple, install box-counting plays into chunk gains. Hamler is further a candidate for an increased downfield presence, as he has the necessary long speed, second gear burst, and route-running to separate and beat safeties’ angles. Hamler should be protected from press coverage early in his career, and may just end up a solid slot in the NFL — but as a young player who is still growing into his frame and game, Hamler’s development is conditional on improved releases against press, which will allow him to win from the Z alignment and become a field-stretcher. Hamler is a high-floor player because of his return/space ability, but should become more at the NFL level." - Solak TDN

And that my fellow Patriots Nation family is why KJ Hamler should be a target for the six time superbowl champion New England Patriots.

Edelman Ain't Taking Nick Wrights' BS.

Julian Edelman fires back at Fox Sports host Nick Wright in a most savage tweet according to sports writer Nick Noll at Clutch Point.

"Host of Fox Sports’ First Thing’s First Nick Wright had a trade idea. According to Rob Bradford of WEEI Radio, Wright thought the Detroit Lions and New England Patriots might want to work out a deal. And star wide receiver Julian Edelman wasn’t a fan." Says Nick Noll

The ideal that Bill Belichick would get rid of his best and most reliable security blanket, a security blanket who had a great year is insane. What kinda drug did Nick Wright take before he opened his mouth?

Noll reports "Edelman tweeted, “Nice hairline bro.” However, that tweet has since been deleted." 

Edelman has class, that's why he took down the tweet as a feud between himself and Wright is more of a Baker Mayfield, Cleveland Brown thing to do. Edelman knows that it would be unbecoming of a New England Patriot. Nick Wright is an idiot, who already fell off the Max Kellerman cliff for Journalism.

Edelman aka Minitron should've spent the year on the IR but instead showed incredible grit and toughness. He had an amazing 2019. He is an inspiration to the entire organization. Regardless if Tom Brady is gone, Edelman is still untouchable at this moment. 

A Deal Between the Patriots and Buccs for OJ Howard?

The Patriots- Buccs trade for Howard could actually work according to the latest article by Steven Kubitza from 12up.

"The Tampa Bay Buccaneers used the No. 17 overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft on tight end O.J. Howard. He was in a prolific passing offense with Jameis Winston in 2019 and proceeded to finish with only 459 receiving yards. That reportedly has Howard on the trading block one week before the start of the 2020 draft." According to Kubitza 

There was talk the Patriots had interest in Howard during the 2019 season. It seems rather stranger that the Buccaneers would put Howard on the Trade Block, knowing Tom Brady loves tight ends.

While a few days ago, I thought no way the Buccaneers would accept the trade, before the Patriots offer a trade, I would offer a straight up Gronk for Howard. Then Maybe Gronk and a sixth for Howard. If Tampa turned it down, no way do I offer more than one third and a sixth for Howard.

Howard could help ease Ryan Izzo's development and would and should guarantee the Patriots have seen the last of career backup Matt Lacosse. It would also require the Patriots to draft one less tight end.

For those unfamiliar with Howard, take a look at his scouting report from Parker Hurley of the last word. 

"At the end of the day, Howard’s biggest strength is how complete of a player he is, and his weaknesses are all nit-picky and in small areas that could propel him into elite tight end territory in the NFL. It is not often that you see a player with his size, receiving ability and athleticism at tight end. When you add in his years of blocking, and ability to use his speed and athleticism to pull and make precision blocks, and to hold blocks down field, it is hard to find a better tight end prospect in recent memory.

His ceiling is to be compared to the likes of Rob Gronkowski as the elite in the game. But thanks to his blocking ability, and his red zone prowess, he has a very low floor. This makes him a sure fire first round pick, and some team may fall in love and nab him in the top ten."

Steven Kubitza closes the article by saying "Having 12 picks allows the Patriots to be aggressive in trade talks. The Bucs would be wise to accept a third and a sixth in exchange for Howard if there is no intention on keeping him past his rookie deal."

Let's hope a deal gets done.

Return of Demaryius Thomas

Josh Alper reported "Demaryius Thomas looking for a place to Play."

"Wide receiver Demaryius Thomas‘ name hasn’t popped up in conjunction with any teams this offseason, but that’s not because Thomas has decided to call it a career.

Thomas was a guest on 104.3 The Fan on Wednesday and said, via Nicki Jhabvala of TheAthletic.com, that he wants to play an 11th NFL season. Thomas added that he feels good physically and that he wants to reach 10,000 career receiving yards."

The Patriots need help at wide receiver and while Thomas could help a young quarterback blossom. DT is trending in the wrong way age wise. However if the Patriots are thinking about Chris Hogan, why not consider a second run with DT?

"Thomas signed with the Patriots last offseason, but was traded to the Jets in early September..."

Thomas was upset with the trade. He waited to resign with the Patriots instead of looking for a new team because of Bill Belichick. When the Patriots acquired AB and Shipped Thomas out, he let his frustrations be known.

Thomas had this to say about the situation."It was insulting, for sure,” Thomas told the New York Daily News' Manish Mehta. “Once I got cut (on August 31), I could have just come here (to the Jets) and not stayed there and re-sign. When they re-signed me, I was thinking that I was good. Two weeks later, I was gone.

"So, it’s like, ‘Why did I waste my time?’ Because at the end of the day, it was kind of a waste of time for me." "They kicked me (to the curb) and shipped me out like I’m just a rookie,"  " ... It was disrespectful to me."

" ... You told me when you cut me at the (final) cut, sit around you’ll bring me back. And I stayed. I could have easily become a Jet once I got cut. … I could have been here the next day after I got released. But I chose to stay."

"Coach (Belichick) came up to me and was like, ‘Uh, we got too many guys. We can’t get the ball around enough and we’re going to trade you to the Jets,' " Thomas said. "And that was that."

Look, location is everything in football. Playing for the wrong team can destroy a players career. Good players are smart about where they sign. No way DT signs with Sam Darnold, the kid from the sixth sense.

There was a lot of hope when the Patriots signed Thomas to a one year six million dollar deal. 

Scott Polacek wrote last year. "Thomas was one of the best receivers in the league during his tenure with the Broncos, making four Pro Bowls and winning a Super Bowl. He topped 1,000 receiving yards five seasons in a row from 2012 through 2016 and tallied double-digit touchdown catches three times in that span.

He consistently demonstrated the height at 6'3" to high-point passes in the end zone, the speed to beat defenders in press coverage and the agility to make tacklers miss in the open field.

However, the Georgia Tech product saw his 1,000-yard streak end in 2017 with 949 receiving yards, and he experienced a significant decline in production in 2018 with 59 catches for 677 yards and five touchdowns split between Denver and Houston."

DT went from projected comeback player the year to a wasted season on a team with a young quarterback and a coach that couldn't win on a division III college team. Could Bill mend the fence and get Thomas as a minimum? Thomas is just looking for a one and done to break 10,000 yards, 

During his time with the Jets, "He played in 11 games and caught 36 passes for 433 yards and a touchdown.

That left him with 9,763 career receiving yards. The vast majority of those yards came in eight-plus seasons with the Broncos, who traded him to the Texans in October 2018. Thomas tore his Achilles that December, which contributed to Houston releasing him after the end of the regular season." 

One would think Thomas is an upgrade at the Position but again, like with Chris Hogan, maybe it's time to move on and stop living in the past with guys who's stats have been in decline.

You know Vinatieri, well he could be the next Patriots kicker.

Patriots Legend "Adam Vinatieri's nephew could be in Patriots plans to fill void at kicker." According to Jeff Kerr of CBS sports. 

"The New England Patriots have a void at kicker for the first time since drafting Stephen Gostkowski in 2006, but that isn't completely unchartered territory for the franchise. Bill Belichick parted ways with Super Bowl hero Adam Vinatieri, the Patriots' kicker for 10 seasons, prior to drafting Gostkowski in the fourth round of the 2006 draft -- and now the question is, could things come full circle?"

Tony Eason helped lead the Patriots to a superbowl let's draft his son. Randy Moss helped lead the Patriots to an undefeated season and a superbowl, let's draft his son. Adam Vinatieri kicked some superbowl winning field goals let's draft his nephew. That seems to be the mentality of Patriots Nation this draft year. I wonder if Marshall New house has a kid in the draft.

"With Gostkowski cut, there's a chance that he could be replaced by with a very familiar name. Chase Vinatieri, who is Adam Vinatieri's nephew, played at South Dakota State just like his uncle and is among the kicker prospects in this year's draft (though he's not among our top 10, which you can check out here). The Patriots have worked with Chase's kicking instructor Mike McCabe, who also worked with punter Ryan Allen during the pre-draft process. Allen was the Patriots punter from 2013 to 2018." Said Kerr.

The Patriots might have had an extra scout working at South Dakota State. One thing Belichick likes to do is cozy up to college coaches. He finds ways for it to benefit him. Prior to this week, nobody was talking the name Vinatieri in New England, now he's the best thing since sliced bread.

"From watching the draft the last few years, maybe one, two or three kickers get drafted, and so realistically, it's more likely I'll be an undrafted free agent," Chase Vinatieri said to ESPN. "I'm definitely OK if that's what it is. I'm just looking for a team to give me an opportunity."

Few Kickers get an opportunity, and too many teams hold on to bad kickers. Hopefully, the young buck gets a chance to prove himself. After watching him run, a team might try him at receiver. Belichick loves players that are versatile, just ask Minitron.

If Chase Vinatieri, a 50% accuracy kicker with a leg that can hit near 60 yards doesn't inspire anyone, Kerr adds. "Adam Vinatieri hit 81.9% of his kicks in his 10 seasons with the Patriots, including game-winning field goals in Super Bowl XXXVI and Super Bowl XXXVII. He's second on the Patriots' all-time scoring list with 1,158 points." 

That's superbowl hero Adam Vinatieri, not sure how it applies to his nephew's college career or ability but okay. Thanks Jeff.

I have nothing against Chase but we see people ride off their last name in Sports all the time. That's an unreliable talent measurement. We all know stats don't tell everything, and I could not find a real scouting article on Chase. 

However, I did find a decent scouting video. Which I'll share the link with. Trust your eyes, not the last name. "The Patriots signed  Adam Vinatieri as an undrafted free agent in 1996. Perhaps they take the same chance on Chase." The kid looks good, maybe the Patriots will roll the dice, if they cannot get Blankenship.

Here is the link to the scouting video on Chase Vinatieri from One On One Kicking. https://youtu.be/MPIVnzJImsA

The Patriots are in the Hunt for an Offensive lineman.

Danny Jaillett of Patriots Wire has report that the New England Patriots have met with one of the top offensive line prospects. 

"The New England Patriots are looking to improve every area on offense, and that includes the line. They have held meetings with several top offensive line prospects. Offensive lineman Robert Hunt has met with the organization, according to Draft Wire.

Hunt was a four-year starter for the Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns. He played the left guard position for his first two seasons before making the jump to right tackle in 2018."

Tackle was a sore spot for the Patriots in 2019. Starting tackle Isaiah Wynn and rookie swing tackle Yodny Cajuste were both injured for much or all 2019. The Patriots had to make due with a second rate division 3 talent level, washed up has been Marshall Newhouse.

"Dane Brugler of The Athletic has him as the top guard in this year’s draft class. Hunt has allowed just two sacks and 11 total pressures over the last two seasons. He would certainly add depth to a New England line that is lacking bodies on the line at the moment..."

The Patriots are in need of Interior line help mainly at center. With Cajuste and Froholdt returning, the two draft steals of 2019 provide much security in depth for the team that was missing last year. With Andrews being the biggest question, the Patriots need a Prospect that can step in if need be at center. Could hunt be that guy?

"Teams will want to do their homework on Hunt, however. Both in his medicals to evaluate the groin injury he suffered at the end of 2019 and the background related to his 2017 arrest. The players arrested reportedly cooperated with the authorities and engaged in a pre-trial diversion program which resulted in charges being dropped. However, teams will want to make sure they are comfortable with his character." said reporter Chris Pflum

"Given the potential lack of depth at the interior offensive lineman position in the 2020 NFL Draft class, Hunt is a player that could be a late-riser in the process.

He’ll likely need to adjust to a new position at the next level, but Hunt has a legitimate shot at being a mid-round steal for the right team." - Dan Matney 

Hunt is being scouted by many teams, including the superbowl champions. The Patriots would be wise to get into the hunt for Hunt. With the hype and praise around Hunt, even without the guru Scarnecchia, the Patriots should have Hunt adjust to the role of center. His experience at guard and tackle will provide extra depth and security. The Patriots youth movement would be set adding Hunt to a depth chart that has Cajuste and Froholdt, at least for the 2020 season.

WIDE RECEIVER A POSITION OF NEED FOR THE PATRIOTS

According to Ryan Spagnoli of Pats Palpit in the "2020 NFL draft: Wide receiver is a position of need for the Patriots, but when will the Patriots address it?"

The Patriots shocked the NFL world when Bill Belichick selected Harry. Before anyone could ask Bill about the select, he was already on to Joe Juan Williams. Then Bill shocked the world again just before the trade deadline of the 2019 season, selecting Mohamed Sanu from the Atlanta Falcons with the 23rd pick of the 2020 NFL draft.

"Alabama’s Jerry Jeudy and Henry Ruggs III and Oklahoma’s CeeDee Lamb are pipe dreams but let’s be real, none of them are falling in the Patriots’ lap at pick number 23. However, there is a great tier of receivers right behind this trio that New England could actually be in play for at different parts in the draft depending if the team does pick at 23 or opts to trade back for another pick later in the second or third round. Says Spagnoli.

If the Patriots can trade down their number 23 pick for a second and a third or fourth round pick, then it becomes more likely that Bill will select a receiver. Meyers and Gunner O were undrafted rookies. Edelman, Sanu, and Harry were banged up. Plus Nobody knows what the Patriots actually got when acquiring Sanu and Harry. The Only "Receivers" the Patriots know 100% what they have in are Edelman and Slater, and special teamer Slater, who unless it was all Tom Brady's fault (Chris Hogan Fans might think so) is not catching passes any time soon. 

The Patriots need versatility as they need guys who can contribute on Special teams as well. Guys like KJ Hill (Ohio State), Joe Reed (Virginia) or Devin Duvernay (Texas). The Patriots don't need to go after top shelf liquor when middle and bottom shelf quality will get the job done.

The Patriots have more priority needs like tight end, linebacker and Interior defensive line. They cannot afford to waste a high value pick on a receiver unless one falls.

Spagnoli adds "However, within their current four top-100 picks, they are a little too spread out and back-loaded to truly find some immediate help at positions of need. The most ideal situation to get the most value at multiple positions early on would therefore be a trade-out of the first round."

I would say Trade down in the first round before trading out. Baltimore has the number 28 and the number 60 picks in the draft. That's almost like getting a second and a third for their first round pick but there are teams like the lions or Giants who would still wanna move up and pay for the number 28 spot. There are many of trade possibilities.

We saw last year with Harris, Cajuste, and Froholdt that if a player slides further down then expected, Belichick has no issues picking them up. I think there's a good chance that could happen with KJ Hamler whom was mentioned earlier.

"If the Patriots want to fully invest and build around projected starting quarterback Jarrett Stidham for the future, getting him as much help at both the wide receiver and tight end position is imperative to building a strong core for the future. The same, however, goes with addressing other positions all over the roster." Says Spagnoli.

With the departures, the current Patriots have holes. That must be addressed, otherwise the team might be a 6 and 10 team, no matter how much Belichick game plans.

There is Talent going all the way down into round seven. This is a deep receiving class. In his article Spagnoli cut off everyone after round four. Well it just goes to show how flawed the scouting process it. If we're eliminating rounds five through seven as far as draft Prospects go, While I hate bring this up because many Patriots fans don't recognize the 13-3 superbowl 53 victory versus the Rams. The Patriots don't make the greatest catch in superbowl history against the Falcons. It was a seventh round selection who caught the ball an Inch from the ground. Not a first, not a second, but a seventh round draft pick. 

Hell, Russell Wilson doesn't throw an Interception to Butler, if we exclude players outside of the first four rounds because neither would've played. This draft is full of late round sleepers, especially at the receiver position. 

Patriots Select Zach Baun

"Patriots select Linebacker Zach Braun in Mel Kiper's latest Mock Draft". Zach Who? "ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr put out his latest mock NFL draft and the New England Patriots end up with a Wisconsin linebacker to help solidify the Defense." According to Musket Fires very own Peter Panacy,

"While the New England Patriots could go one of a number of different directions with their first pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, particularly on offense, ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. has them instead reinforcing an already good defense with the No. 23 overall selection."

"While the New England Patriots could go one of a number of different directions with their first pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, particularly on offense, ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. has them instead reinforcing an already good defense with the No. 23 overall selection."

While Many think if the Patriots take a linebacker first in the 2020 NFL draft that it is going to be one Malik Harrison from thee Ohio State university, "Kiper released his latest mock just over a week ahead of the 2020 draft’s start on April 23, and the Pats end up grabbing one of the more heralded linebackers in this year’s class, Wisconsin’s Zack Baun."

"Here was Kiper’s rationale for the selection:"

It’s really tough to predict what Bill Belichick is going to do in a draft, but we know that he likes versatile front-seven pieces. That’s Baun, who broke out for the Badgers last season with 12.5 sacks and 19.5 total tackles for loss. The Patriots lost linebackers Kyle Van Noy, Jamie Collins and Elandon Roberts in free agency, so Baun fills a need. Since it appears New England is happy with Jarrett Stidham and Brian Hoyer at quarterback, I’ll stay away from that position.

"Kiper points out a few things most fans seem to already understand. First, head coach Bill Belichick is impossible to predict, especially when it comes to the NFL Draft. And it also appears as if New England won’t try grabbing a quarterback early to replace the now-Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Tom Brady."

"Instead, signs point to Jarrett Stidham getting the nod under center.

The Patriots boasted one of the league’s best defenses in 2019, and that figures to be the team’s primary strength heading into this year, too. But that same defense lost some key players, as Kiper pointed out, particularly Van Noy, who signed with the Miami Dolphins after a 6.5-sack campaign last season."

"Baun, meanwhile, was a pass-rushing force his senior season with the Badgers, and that unquestionably propelled him into first-round discussion. Although he wasn’t much of a factor in this department his three years prior."

So far this is the first red flag about Braun, why was he not a sack machine earlier in his career? Was he held back on the depth chart or was he a product of his team? These are things the Patriots scouting report will look at. Let's take a second and take deeper look at Baun.

"NFL COMP - Lorenzo Alexander. Zack Baun developed into an all-around defensive playmaking presence in 2019 for Wisconsin, racking up 75 tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss, 12.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and an interception. He projects favorably to a 3-4 outside linebacker role at the next level where his versatility to rush the passer, drop in coverage and defend the run is optimized given his modest mass and length. With that said, I believe he can also play SAM linebacker in 4-3 base defenses and rush the passer off the edge on passing downs, making him a scheme-versatile prospect. It may take a year of seasoning for Baun to make an impact in all the ways he’s capable of contributing, but he should be a heavily-featured sub package option right away. " - Marino TDN

"Zack Baun will excel in a defensive system that capitalizes on his versatility and football IQ to place him in various roles in the defensive front seven. Baun has the quickness, burst and hand usage to win as a pressure player but early downs will serve him best working off the football to take advantage of his quick processor and short area quickness to step into gaps and fill versus the run. He can be a critical starter for a defense but needs to be moved around to play his best football." - Crabbs - TDN

"Zack brings hustle and effort to the LB position. He's a sufficient athlete overall and has redeeming value in his effort and football character. In the run game he's sufficient. He has some pop in his hands but can afford to learn to disengage more consistently. Does a good job pursuing the football as a chase player on the backside. In the passing game he is also sufficient. He's not a dynamic athlete on the edge, but has good get off. He has also shown some wiggle and bend on the edge. He has shown that he can play on his feet, demonstrating the ability to rush or drop from an up or down position. He has generated some production and been effective on all 3 downs. This players skill set suggests that he will be a 4 phase, core special teams player if necessary." - Harris TDN

"Pro Comparison: Tim Williams. Zack Baun is a Day 2 candidate for a team looking for a quick and explosive outside rusher who primary plays from a stand-up alignment. A leggy and thin rusher, Baun regularly wins off of his first step with great snap anticipation, stride length, and natural burst. After challenging tackle depth, Baun can work a two-way go with clever usage of his hands and feet to soften rush angles and flatten to the quarterback. Baun is a bit limited in his hips and can struggle to reduce his surface area up the arc, and increased mass will be necessary to survive as a three-down defender, but he's one of the most polished rushers in this class. Baun is a candidate to contribute in pass-rush situations in Year 1, with a high ceiling in Year 3 if he improves his mass and run defense." - Solak TDN

Belichick has had a history of reaching, especially with the second round, which currently the Patriots don't have a second round pick. There's even those in the sports world who believe Sony Michel and N'Keal Harry were reached and not first round talent. If Belichick reaches with Baun, it won't surprise anyone. 

The draft process is not perfect, especially when it comes to the Combine and scouting. Of the thousands available, only around 300 get invited to the annual combine. While Bill may reach with players like Baun, he also sifts through the trash to find starters that went undrafted.

Now back to the article.

"Now there’s a little extra wrinkle in Baun’s prospective analysis for the NFL Draft. According to reports from around the league, Baun tested positive for a diluted urine sample at the NFL Scouting Combine. Baun explained the result was due to “drinking significant amounts of water before his weigh-in,” which can happen (I personally have administered such tests before, and it’s common). Yet prospects are cautioned about preparing for this outcome leading up to the test, so Baun missed something somewhere."

"But there’s a major difference how diluted samples are handled this year under the newly adopted collective bargaining agreement. Last season and before, such samples would have been considered failed tests. Yet that’s no longer the case under the new CBA."

"As such, it’s highly unlikely the sample results will hinder Baun’s draft stock, putting him squarely back in the discussion for a first-round pick."

"And at least according to Kiper, the Patriots won’t be shying away from interest in the 6-foot-3 linebacker."

The Patriots have had issues in the past with people with substance abuse issues. Most recently, Josh Gordon. While this red flag maybe water under the bridge for Kiper, this maybe an Impasse for the Patriots. The Patriots do their homework and one can be sure that the Patriots already know what He was trying to dilute from his system.

Count on Belichick to Make Draft Day Trades

"The New England Patriots are sure to make trades in the upcoming draft 2020 NFL Draft" says Michael Devito of Chowder and Champions. 

"The NFL draft can be fun for New England Patriots fans and enthusiasts in general. I’m one. But if  it can also be a post-facto drag and a terrible disappointment. Why? 

Your team doesn’t draft the guy(s) you wanted or thought they should have. Your team traded out of a spot where one of these guys was right there for the Taking. Or your team just didn’t have a clue of what they were doing or a plan to execute it if they did.

Welcome to the world of a Patriots draft fan! I have written that the Patriots only predictability is their unpredictability. Now, I’m going to completely contradict my own dictum and say this: one aspect of the New England Patriots every year is predictable."

Back in 2018, People wanted the Patriots to take Lamar Jackson in the first round. When the Patriots surprised everyone taking Sony Michel and Isaiah Wynn, Patriots fans were so upset that we had them posting drunk rants from St. Lucia. Not the the media noticed, they were too busy talking about middle aged men, falling off cliffs. Still some don't believe the Patriots will make a trade.

“Why that’s preposterous”, you say. “How can you now say anything about their draft will be predictable when you’ve asserted on more than one occasion that they are entirely unpredictable? You must be bonkers!” "Hmmm … that indeed may be true, but in any event, there is one thing that is absolutely predictable about the Patriots Draft and will be on April 23-25.

Enough suspense, this is it. That Patriots will trade up, down and all-around later this month in the annual NFL Draft."

Over the past few weeks, I have told people to expect Bill Belichick to go "Jimmy Johnson" crazy with trades in the draft. Doing several mocks where the Patriots end up with anywhere from fifteen to twenty five picks by the time Bill is done. While twenty five is a bit high, it's not out of the range of possibility.

"The New 2020 draft will definitely include Trades."

"That’s it, that’s my iron-clad, take it to the bank, can’t miss, lock, absolute guarantee (have I missed any good metaphors?). The Patriots will be trading. Now, this postulation wouldn’t exactly qualify as a bonafide revelation. Hardly. No rocket science here. They just do it."

I have had the Patriots trading the number 23rd pick to the Ravens for the 28th pick and for the 60th overall pick coming at the end of round two. And then trading the 28th pick to Detroit for the 35, 85th and the 21st pick of round seven. Bringing the Patriots up to 15 picks. Let's see what Michael has to say.

"Mock draft articles abound in trade speculation. Patspulpit.com‘s recent mock draft by Ryan Spagnoli is a case in point. Here’s what he postulates:

Patriots trade picks 1-23, 3-98 and 6-195 to Detroit for pick 2-35 and 3-67 and a 2021 fourth-round selection.
Patriots trade picks 6-204 and 6-212 to Jacksonville for pick 6-189.
Patriots trade picks 6-213 and 6-230 to Minnesota for pick 6-205.

This a very plausible suggestion by Ryan."

It's just my opinion but the Patriots would be given up more then they get back for the trades proposed by Ryan. For the Patriots to make these trades, I gotta think that they're not as high on some of the players in this years draft or are more concerned about their salary cap. 

"Detroit is a popular possible trade destination since that franchise’s management (and coach) is populated by former New England Patriotspeople. Pundits have clearly speculated that the option for New England to trade down from their 23rd spot in the first round to pick up a second-round pick and a third maybe or whatever is certainly plausible.

A note about trade speculation that lands the Patriots in the second round. Ah … the Patriots haven’t really done very well with their second-round picks under Bill Belichick. Rather dismally, actually with one exception of singular note, Rob Gronkowski, and a few other good players. Other than that, not so much."

The second round is a taboo round for the Patriots but like all curses, you can't get over them if you don't face them. 

"This article points out their record in the second round in the 20 years of Bill Belichick’s tenure in New England.

R.J. White of CBSsports.com puts out this scenario for a New England draft trade in a recent article:

For this mock draft, which will be my last before rolling out the seven-round monster next week, I’ve put together six trades that in a bubble I think could happen, including the Dolphins and Patriots moving up for quarterbacks, the 49ers and Seahawks trading out of the first round, and the Buccaneers and Ravens jumping up the board to take top talent at key positions of need.

In this draft, the Patriots move up seven spots to No. 16 in the first round to nab highly rated quarterback Justin Herbert from Oregon. R. J. White notes:

With teams like the Raiders, Jaguars and Saints possibly in the market for a QB, either at their own picks or via trade, the Patriots make a bold move to secure the last first-round talent at the position, giving up No. 23, 87 and 125.

That cost translates into the Patriots surrendering their first round pick at 23, their first of 3 third round picks at 87 and their fourth round pick at pick 125. Interestingly, Justin Herbert just might be worth that trade, though I’d still opt for Jalen Hurts and using the other picks to bolster the team elsewhere, especially the offensive skill positions.

So national pundits and local pundits think the same, the Patriots will trade."

If the Patriots are going to trade up, I seriously doubt it will be for Herbert. Jordan Love or Tua Tagovailoa are the only Quarterbacks that make sense for the Patriots make such a move. The Patriots would be best waiting for Herbert to fall to 23 unless they're completely in love with him. I still think Jalen hurts may be the best fit for the Patriots offense, even if he's not the most talented of the bunch.

"Personally, I’d rather see the Patriots hunker down for once, keep OUT of that dreaded second round and KEEP and USE all the picks they have. There’s an article with a Patriots’ draft that envisions just that scenario. The Patriots keep and use all their 12 picks.

Only thing is, that’s not going to happen. Get odds in Las Vegas if you can on that. It’s a sure thing. So that’s that, my theory of the New England Patriots unpredictability is out the window. That being said, have to go now, and drum another theory I can later debunk myself."

I hope Michael is wrong about the Patriots staying put at the number 23 spot. While I agree I would like the Patriots to keep the remaining eleven picks, I would like to see if the Patriots could find a way to turn the number 23 into a second round and three or four additional picks. Even if it means making a frenzy of trades downward. The second round of the 2020 NFL draft is going to be packed with talent and the Patriots have too many holes on both the starting roster and in the depth chart, to be trading away draft capital.

Ross Blacklock at 23, Chad Rueter Thinks Its Possible

Adam London of NESN wrote an article back in February titled Who NFL draft analyst has the Patriots selecting with the first round. The subject of the article might be the highest ranked of the best fits for team needs. Since the article is a few weeks old, I'll provide updates where needed and a little more detail.

Quick update for anyone living under a rock or in a coma for the past month, Tom Brady has walked away from the New England Patriots as his old age heard the call of senior living in Florida. While it is possible, it is unlikely the Patriots will draft a quarterback in the first round.

Danny Shelton is gone but Butler signed a one year deal worth some place in the ball park of $3.5 million. The Patriots still have a hole and Blacklock still makes since to be an option of the first player off the Board for the Patriots. Crabbs of the draft Network wrote

Joe Detullio of the Game Haus also wrote

And Chris Pflum of Big Blue View also got in on Blacklock.

 

With the resigning of Butler, the Patriots may have more pressing needs. However, Bill likes to get the best player available that's play style fits team needs. If Bill doesn't make a move at 23 and Blacklock is there, he has just as much a chance of coming off the Board as Justin Herbert or Jordan Love.