Patriots: 3 way-too-early bold predictions for 2023 season
By Nick Villano
Bold predictions for Patriots 2023: Trade up twice in NFL Draft
The Patriots became famous for trading down in the NFL Draft. It’s how they were able to replace all the stars they did in the 2000s. It’s how they won six Super Bowls. That’s why every time the Patriots trade up in the draft, it’s news.
The Patriots never trade up in the first round. It has no value to Belichick and his brass. The price to do business in the first round is too great. They did, however, trade up in the second round last year to select Tyquan Thornton. It was a curious move, but it proves the Patriots are treating the draft differently with this new roster construction.
It’s hard to predict what the Patriots will do in the draft this year. They have the 14th overall pick in the first round. There are some incredibly intriguing defensive specimens in the 8-14 range. Players like Jalen Carter of Georgia, Tyree Wilson of Texas Tech and especially Brian Branch the safety from Alabama will intrigue Belichick.
The Patriots have 11 picks in the draft. Three are in the fourth round and four are in the sixth round. It would make sense to use that capital to get better picks.