Don't Be Surprised If Patriots Trade First Round Pick To This Team

Q: Why might the Patriots trade their first-round pick in the NFL Draft?

The Patriots may trade their first-round pick to move down in the draft, a strategy they have frequently employed under coach Bill Belichick.

Q: Which team is speculated to receive the Patriots' first-round pick?

The Arizona Cardinals are mentioned as a potential team to receive the Patriots' first-round pick in the upcoming NFL Draft.

Q: What has been the Patriots' draft strategy under Bill Belichick?

Under Bill Belichick, the Patriots have often traded down in the draft, frequently selecting later in the first round, such as at No. 30 or above.

Don't Be Surprised If Patriots Trade First Round Pick To This Team

TL;DR

The New England Patriots may trade their first-round pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, potentially to the Arizona Cardinals. This move aligns with the team's history of trading down in the draft under coach Bill Belichick.

Alabama's Ty Simpson

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There is nothing more frustrating than watching the entirety of the NFL Draft, eagerly awaiting your team's first-round selection, only for the front office to decide to move down a few slots and wait till Friday to make their first selection.

As New England Patriots fans, we have seen this story play out too many times under Bill Belichick while constantly picking No. 30 and above.

So just know, I do not write this with joy.

However, this trade proposal fits in the category of “just makes sense.”

New England Patriots Receive: 34th overall pick, 2027 mid-round pick

Arizona Cardinals Receive: 31st overall pick

The bare bones of the story are that if the board plays out the way it is expected to, the player that the Patriots will take at No. 31 will almost certainly be there at No. 34. This is assuming a day one starting offensive lineman or one of the top four wide receivers is not still available.

If the Patriots have their sights set on an edge rusher, however, he will likely survive the Seattle Seahawks and New York Jets only to land in New England either way.

The Cardinals do not have this luxury. They are heavily rumored to be interested in University of Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson. In the NFL Draft, you do not let a quarterback sit overnight.

Patriots fans saw it nearly a decade ago when Belichick sent the team’s 32nd overall pick to the Baltimore Ravens, who then selected two-time league MVP Lamar Jackson.

If Simpson is their guy, the Cardinals could keep all their picks in this draft with brand new head coach Mike LaFleur and build around their rookie quarterback.

The Patriots would be getting another selection in next year’s draft and escaping with the same player.

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