By Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com
The Patriots are armed with one of the deepest arsenals of picks in the league as the NFL Draft approaches. So clearly, 2020 is just like any year.
As the world continues to battle against the COVID-19 pandemic, the National Football League has done its best to go on with business as usual. That means the draft is still expected to take place on time from April 23-25 – although there are concerns that could prevent it from even being done remotely.
But as of Monday, April 13, the draft is still on with just 10 days to go. So now is a good time to reset the outlook for the Patriots and their 12 (!) current selections.
That doesn’t just sound like a large number. The Pats are tied for the second-most picks in the league with the Vikings. Only the Dolphins (14) have more.
ARLINGTON, TX – APRIL 26: The New England Patriots logo is seen on a video board during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
Here’s a quick rundown of all 12, by round and selection number.
UPDATE: This list includes the selection that the Patriots received from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a trade that sent Rob Gronkowski to the Bucs. The Pats moved up 102 spots in the draft as part of the deal, swapping pick No. 241 for No. 139.
Patriots 2020 NFL Draft Picks
— Second round, No. 37: acquired from Chargers
— Third round, No. 71: acquired from Chargers
— Third round, No. 87: own pick
— Third round, No. 98: compensatory pick
— Third round, No. 100: compensatory pick
— Fourth round, No. 125: acquired from Bears
— Fourth round, No. 139: acquired from Buccaneers
— Fifth round, No. 172: acquired from Lions
— Sixth round, No. 195: acquired from Broncos
— Sixth round, No. 204: acquired from Texans
— Sixth round, No. 212: compensatory pick
— Sixth round, No. 213: compensatory pick
— Seventh round, No. 230: acquired from Falcons
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – FEBRUARY 20: New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick and friend Vinnie Colelli look on during the 2015 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 20, 2015 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
The most notable draft pick that the Patriots don’t have this year is No. 55 in the second round, which they traded to the Falcons for wide receiver Mohamed Sanu. It’s reasonable to expect that Belichick will engage in some complex maneuvering up and down the draft board, and will find a way to make at least two selections between picks 23 and 87.
That is assuming he won’t trade up in the first round. That’s rare and has literally never come close to happening for a QB. But if you’re to believe that the Patriots are as interested in drafting Utah State quarterback Jordan Love or Oregon quarterback Justin Herbert as it sounds, then that is what Belichick will have to do.
We’ll have the latest news and rumors and other insight on the Patriots and the 2020 NFL Draft in the coming days at the Patriots Draft Hub.
Matt Dolloff is a digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff or email him at matthew.dolloff@bbgi.com.
