Patriots NFL draft rumors: Trading up for DeVonta Smith a colossal mistake

Beggars can’t be choosers. With the New England Patriots still having a big need at the wide receiver position, it would be very exciting if the team had a shot at selecting explosive Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith.

As predicted by NFL Network insider Peter Schrager, the Patriots will do exactly that by trading up for the Heisman-winning wide receiver.

It is one thing if he was available when the team selected at No. 15, but giving up draft capital to move up to select him?

Well, let’s hear Schrager out. Here is what he wrote in making his bold prediction:

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"“Everyone seems to think Philadelphia is looking to trade up into the top 10, but I believe the Eagles are a prime team to trade down, looking to squeeze out another first-round pick for next year – giving them potentially four in 2022 – or an additional second-round in 2021. New England gives up its second-round (No. 46) to move up three spots for the Heisman-winning, Nick Saban-endorsed star WR1.”"

Not many fans would be upset if the Patriots did make such a bold move, but the problem is trusting Bill Belichick selecting a wide receiver that high in the draft.

Why DeVonta Smith is not a Patriots draft priority

While there is no doubt Smith is an extreme talent, the Patriots have a bigger need at the quarterback position. No knock-on Cam Newton, but what is the value of drafting a burner like the Alabama playmaker if there is no one to get him the ball?

That is why this particular move is a colossal mistake. Unless Jimmy Garoppolo or some other trade for a quarterback is in play that we don’t see coming, moving up for a wide receiver simply makes no sense, especially when there will be other opportunities to select wide receiver talent later in the draft.

Plus, given Smith’s size, only checking in at 6-0, 166 pounds, is there some doubt in how Smith will size up against NFL competition?

Now, if there is any team that knows about the value of smaller receivers, it is the New England Patriots, but their small receivers have been at the slot position and I personally can’t see Belichick trading up for a player to essentially fill the slot receiver role.

There is also the Nick Saban connection to consider here. Belichick would have inside knowledge of Smith, but if he is to trade up, it is the Alabama quarterback Mac Jones that would make more sense than going after a speedy wide receiver with no one to get him the ball.

In conclusion, any NFL team would be crazy to pass up on DeVonta Smith if he is available, especially a wide receiver hungry team like the Patriots, but it is just not a Bill Belichick type move to do so.

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Then again, the Patriots coach has been throwing fans and the NFL media surprise after the surprise this offseason, so perhaps the biggest shock is still to come. Could that shock be selecting a wide receiver high in the first round?

Now, that would be a first and certainly a juicy topic around these parts, especially if the selection comes over an opportunity to draft one of the top 5 quarterbacks.

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