New England Patriots 2020 NFL Draft: Excellent trade sets stage for Day 2
Great New England Patriots trade on Day 1 of the draft sets them up for a franchise-altering Day 2.
The New England Patriots traded down and out of the first round last night. This was neither very unexpected nor very surprising.
Yet, I like the trade, a lot, and I like the return the Patriots received from San Diego for their first-round pick. I think it’s a great start to the draft by Bill Belichick working from his home and could presage good things later this evening.
More from Chowder and Champions
- 3 Midseason Chaim Bloom Decisions That Have Killed the 2023 Red Sox
- 10 Patriots Who Will Be Cut by Tuesday’s Roster Deadline
- MLB Screws Red Sox Fans With Broadcast for Mookie Betts Return
- 3 Most Underpaid Celtics Heading Into the 2023 Season
- Red Sox Continue Rollercoaster Season With Massive Win
The Patriots traded their No. 23 pick of the first round to the San Diego Chargers for the Chargers No. 37 in the second round and No. 70 pick in the third round. This added an additional premium pick to the Patriots stockpile. The Patriots now have 5 picks in the second and third rounds available to them today on day 2 of the NFL Draft.
I like the trade for a number of reasons. First, New England has multiple needs in multiple positions all over the field and more picks, especially premium picks, provide a great opportunity to fill them.
Their greatest need I have stressed is to secure a special quarterback of the future. The player that fits the bill is available. It’s Jalen Hurts of Oklahoma.
Hurts is an extremely talented RPO-type multi-role quarterback from Oklahoma. Hurts could be the cornerstone of a new exciting Patriots offense. He’d be a great option for the 37th pick.
Alternatively, the Patriots may be able to trade down a few picks and pick up another pick later in the draft. It may be feasible.
But, the further down the draft you go, the greater the risk of losing that one player who can transform your quarterback position for a decade or more. Is it worth the risk? A tough question. Losing Hurts would be a great loss if they indeed agree he’s the guy to run their new offense.
In any event, getting two premium picks for the first-rounder is a solid move. It’s not trading for trading’s sake. It’s good business by New England. Hopefully, they will proceed and deliver a top-flight draft in 2020. Really good players are still available. They should get at least one if not more of them.