Report: Teams believe Patriots will attempt to trade up on Day 2 of NFL Draft

Author Alex Barth

April 26th, 2021 2:22 PM

NFL Draft week kicked off with Ian Rapoport’s Monday morning report indicated that the San Francisco 49ers are likely not considering taking Justin Fields with the third overall pick. When Tom Pelissero followed up by saying the Patriots would be interested in Fields if he falls, all attention turned to a potential Patriots trade-up scenario.

However, the first round isn’t the only spot the Patriots may look to move up. According to Mike Giardi, “there is a strong belief in certain circles league-wide” that the Patriots will attempt to trade up and ease their scheduled 50 pick gap between the 46th and 96th selections.

The Patriots lost their original third-round pick – 77th overall – due to last year’s alleged illegal video taping of the Cincinnati sideline. Meanwhile, the 96th pick sits towards the end of the third round as a compensation pick received for losing Tom Brady in free agency.

Scheduled to make 10 picks this year, and with 76 players on their 90-man roster, it would make sense for the Patriots to consolidate some of their selections to either move up in the draft, or acquire future assets. Keep in mind the team has added anywhere from 10 to 18 undrafted free agents in each of the last five years. While the total number might not be quite as high this season, they’ll still likely want to open up spots.

Most years, Patriots draft trade conversations are based on them trading down, spreading out their assets, and bolstering their future draft stock. Yet in a year that’s unique for many reasons, the feeling seems to be when – not if – will they make a trade to move up.

So who could be on the Patriots’ radar in the second and third round? Here’s a look at our own big board for Friday, which includes options at wide receiver, tackle, cornerback, safety, and linebacker.

• Offensive Tackle

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  • Teven Jenkins, Oklahoma State (46)
  • Sam Cosmi, Texas (46)
  • Dillon Radunz, North Dakota State (46)
  • Spencer Brown, Northern Iowa (96)
  • Stone Forsythe, Florida (96)

  
  With Trent Brown and Isaiah Wynn both entering the final year of their contracts, the Patriots have a chance to cross off a need a year early. Teven Jenkins was graded by many as a first-round talent, and could be a steal if he falls to 46. If the Patriots want to wait a bit, both Spencer Brown and Stone Forsythe offer the overpowering size the team has trended towards at the position.

• Cornerback

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  • Tyson Campbell, Georgia (46)
  • Ifeatu Melifonwu, Syracuse (46)
  • Kelvin Joseph, Kentucky (96)
  • Elijah Molden, Washington (96)
  • Ambry Thomas, Michigan (96)

  
  Like tackle, cornerback is a spot where the Patriots can get ahead of a projected need by a year. Plus, we all know how Bill Belichick tends to gravitate towards defensive backs in the second round. Georgia’s Tyson Campbell is an intriguing high-upside pick at 46. Ambry Thomas might be available a little later on - he’s a stronger fit for the Patriots’ traditional No. 2 corner mold, and would continue the run of Michigan players making their way to Foxborough. 

• Safety

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  • Trevon Moehrig, TCU (46)
  • Jamar Johnson, Indiana (46)
  • Richie Grant, UCF (46)
  • Jevon Holland, Oregon (96)
  • Tyree Gillespie, Missouri (96)

  
  Sticking with the theme of finding potential replacements a year ahead of time, the slide on safeties could give the Patriots a shot at drafting the next Devin McCourty. No safeties went in the first round, so this board is pretty stacked. Moehrig might be gone by 46, but he checks all the boxes for a Patriots deep safety. Don’t rule out the team possibly getting aggressive in the third round and reaching a bit for Tyree Gillespie, who would be a great fit.
• Linebacker

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  • Nick Bolton, Missouri (46)
  • Joseph Ossai, Texas (46)
  • Jabril Cox, LSU (46)
  • Baron Browning, Ohio State (46)
  • Pete Werner, Ohio State (96)
  • Dylan Moses, Alabama (96)

  
  The Patriots could go with an inside linebacker to add depth behind Dont’a Hightower, or an outside linebacker to upgrade their pass rush. Both options are on the board at 46, with Nick Bolton as the downhill run stopper and Joseph Ossai as a hybrid linebacker/end who can get after the quarterback. Baron Browning is also an intriguing pick, having drawn come comparisons to Jamie Collins.

• Wide Receiver

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  • Rondale Moore, Purdue (46)
  • Elijah Moore, Ole Miss (46)
  • Nico Collins, Michigan (96)
  • Amari Rodgers, Clemson (96)
  • Amon-Ra St. Brown (96)

  
  Of course, wide receiver remains a possibility for the Patriots. Four of the five players listed are slot options, as the team looks for a long-term replacement for Julian Edelman. However the fifth player - Nico Collins - stands out as a fit for what the Patriots’ like in receivers. His game is very similar to N’Keal Harry, but obviously he won’t cost a first round pick. Could the team bring him in to push and potentially eventually replace Harry as the main ‘X’ receiver? 

For more NFL Draft coverage check out the Patriots Draft Hub 

Click here for 98.5 The Sports Hub’s complete coverage of the Patriots.

Alex Barth is a writer and 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. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.

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Author Alex Barth

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