Reports Emerge of Major Patriots Draft Trade (And It's Not the No. 3 Pick)

After months of constant speculation and rumors, the NFL Draft is finally here. New England is at the beginning stages of their rebuild and this draft gives them the perfect opportunity to bring in some players who can change things around.

There have been rumors that the Pats are taking phone calls on the No. 3 pick but it seems more likely that they stand pat and select their new franchise quarterback. With Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels likely going 1-2, Drake Maye could be their guy.

But reports have emerged that New England won't be done after that selection, and is looking to move back into the first round.

Patriots Rumors: New England Is Looking to Move Back Into the First Round

ESPN's Mike Reiss has reported that the Patriots have discussed what it would cost to jump back into the back half of the first round. With needs at WR and OT, it makes sense why they could look to move back into the first. New England owns the No. 34 overall pick, which is a valuable asset and which shouldn't take too much more ammunition to move back up into the tail end of the first

Peter Schrager released his final mock draft on Thursday morning and he has the Pats moving into the 32nd selection to snag South Carolina's Xavier Legette.

The benefit of moving up back into the first is not only that the Pats get a shot at a better tackle or wide receiver to help support Maye, but also that they'd also get a fifth-year option on that player's contract (compared to just a four-year deal for a second-round pick).

Both Reiss and Schrager clearly have some insight into the Pats' desire to move up. No one knows if this will come to fruition, but it's safe to say that the team is at least looking into the possibility.

Luckily for New England fans, they won't have to wait long. The draft starts at 8 p.m. ET and we can put all these rumors to bed and start looking at the future of the franchise.

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