The New England Patriots are predicted to make a significant trade during the NFL Draft, potentially involving their 31st overall pick. Experts speculate that teams might seek to trade back into the first round to secure quarterback Ty Simpson.
New England Patriots executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf
Patriots Predicted To Make Blockbuster NFL Draft Trade With NFC West Team originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The New England Patriots have the 31st overall pick in the NFL Draft, and their pick could be highley coveted near the end of Thursday night.
Fernando Mendoza is expected to be the first quarterback taken, but who will be the second? Many experts expect Ty Simpson to be the second quarterback to hear his name called, but when will he go? It's very possible that Simpson has to wait until Friday to get drafted, but teams in need of a quarterback could try to trade back into the first round and secure a fifth-year option for him.
Even teams that need a quarterback are not expected to take Simpson with their first round pick. However, those teams could all be waiting to get him on Day 2. One of the teams that needs a quarterback is the Arizona Cardinals. The Cardinals have the No. 3 overall pick, and will not take Simpson there. They also have the No. 34 overall pick, and could look to move up a few spots and ensure they get Simpson. The Patriots No. 31 overall pick could be the perfect pick for the Cardinals to target.
CBS Sports' Ryan Wilson predicted the Patriots would trade their first round pick to the Cardinals, allowing them to take Simpson.
The Patriots are predicted to make a blockbuster trade with a team from the NFC West.
Fernando Mendoza is anticipated to be the first quarterback taken in the NFL Draft.
The Patriots' 31st overall pick is considered highly coveted, as it could allow teams to trade back into the first round to secure a fifth-year option for a quarterback.
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"I've heard that the Pats are one of several teams that may want to trade down," wrote Wilson on Thursday. "I've also heard from teams I've spoken with that Simpson has a good chance to work his way into Round 1. The Cardinals seem like the most obvious candidate, though the (New York) Jets and (Cleveland) Browns could also be in that conversation."
Assuming there are no surprises and Simpson is available at No. 31, the Cardinals could feel pressure to go get Simpson. The Jets pick before the Cardinals in Round 2, and could also be looking at Simpson. For the Patriots, they would only be moving back three spots, and may still be able to get the player they want. For the Cardinals, they would jump the Jets, get their quarterback and have a fifth-year option for him.