Bill Belichick talked on Friday about the lack of flexibility his team had at the last two drafts due to a lack of early-round selections. Thanks to trades involving Jimmy Garoppolo and Brandin Cooks, that is not the case in 2018.
The Patriots have four picks in the first two rounds, and that gives Belichick the opportunity to be bold come draft weekend later this month. He is almost always aggressive when it comes to dealing at the draft, and that has involved both moves up and down the board.
But most of the former have involved small jumps from their typical spot late in the round, and this time things might be different. With two picks in the first and second rounds, Belichick has the ammunition to shoot up into the top 10 if he desires.
Our Samsonite Make Your Case question of the week is: Would you be happy if the Patriots traded up into the top 10 of the draft?
PFW's Andy Hart says ...
YES
If Bill Belichick identifies a player he likes enough to trade up to get then I'm all for it. While every draft has solid players every year, in general the most talented players are picked early and the Patriots have the resources to get one this year. I'd love to see the Patriots be aggressive and grab a player who fits that mold.
A player I'd love to see the Patriots figure out a way to get is N.C. State's Bradley Chubb. He's the most talented player in this draft and he'd fit a huge need as an edge rusher. If Belichick can package the picks in a way to get in position to get him I say do it.
It's impossible to know how Belichick feels about the prospects before the draft, but I trust his ability to identify talent. If he feels a guy is worth extending for, there's a great chance that player would be worth the price. Roll the dice and make the move.
--AH
PFW's Paul Perillo says ...
NO
I'm not necessarily against moving up to make an exciting move. I just don't see players worth doing so in this year's draft.
With the abundance of quarterbacks expected to be draft early, chances are the Patriots will have an opportunity to find a talented player without having to deal away several picks. I don't view any of the top-rated QBs as being worth moving significantly up to get, so I'd rather wait and see how the board unfolds and adjust from there.
Tom Brady won't be around forever and the Patriots will need to add some young talent soon to make up for his loss. I'd rather used the draft picks to get that young talent than potentially sabotage the future by making an ill-fated deal. Wait it out.
--PP
