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Dolphins Predicted To Make Draft Day Trade That Slightly Helps Patriots
TL;DR
The Miami Dolphins are expected to trade their No. 30 draft pick, which could benefit the New England Patriots, who hold the No. 31 pick. Both teams have similar needs in the draft, raising concerns for the Patriots about losing a desired player to their rival.
Miami Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley
Dolphins Predicted To Make Draft Day Trade That Slightly Helps Patriots originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The New England Patriots and Miami Dolphins are scheduled to be picking back-to-back in the NFL Draft, but ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. is predicting the Dolphins will trade their pick.
The Dolphins have the No. 30 pick in the draft thanks to their trade with the Denver Broncos that sent Jaylen Waddle to Denver. The Patriots have the No. 31 overall pick. Despite their vastly different records, the Patriots and Dolphins have similar needs in the draft. With the Dolphins right in front of them, the Patriots are at risk of losing a player they like to a rival.
However, Kiper predicted the Dolphins would make this trade to put the Arizona Cardinals on the clock before the Patriots:
- Dolphins receive: Pick Nos. 34 and 65
- Cardinals receive: Pick Nos. 30 and 94
How does this help the Patriots?
The Dolphins and Patriots could both be targeting receivers, pass rushers and offensive tackles in the early stages of the draft, although for different reasons. The Patriots could be looking for a right tackle to take over for Morgan Moses in the near future and receivers to pair with Romeo Doubs.
Meanwhile, the Dolphins simply need receivers after losing Tyreek Hill and Waddle. Both teams need help in the pass rush department in general. The Cardinals, on the other hand, figure to select Arvell Reese or David Bailey with the third overall pick.
If that holds true and they land an elite pass rusher, they would likely not be trading back into the first round to select a pass rusher right before the Patriots. They could theoretically take a receiver or offensive tackle, but what good are those without a quarterback? If the Cardinals trade back into Round 1, they will likely be going after a quarterback.
"It's getting late in Round 1, and all of the non-Mendoza quarterbacks are still on the board," Kiper wrote on Wednesday. "The Jets have the 33rd pick to kick off Round 2, so I wouldn't be surprised if one of these QB-needy teams tries to trade back into Round 1 to get ahead of New York and also secure the fifth-year option on Ty Simpson."
With the Dolphins at 30, the Patriots will be at serious risk of having a player they like taken just before them. However, if the Dolphins trade the pick to a team like the Cardinals, the Patriots would likely be relieved. The Patriots do not need a quarterback, and the playr they want could fall into their laps.
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Q&A
What draft pick do the Miami Dolphins currently hold?
The Miami Dolphins currently hold the No. 30 pick in the NFL Draft.
How could the Dolphins' trade affect the New England Patriots?
The Dolphins' trade could allow the Patriots to secure a player they want, as they are picking right after Miami at No. 31.
Why are the Dolphins and Patriots considered to have similar needs in the draft?
Despite their different records, both the Dolphins and Patriots are looking to address similar positions and improve their rosters through the draft.
