Jeremy Hayes

Journal Staff

There is no team that is as brilliant in the draft as the New England Patriots. The Patriots are a dangerous team that could trick another team into trading multiple draft picks or even trading a player of their own to acquire a high draft pick.
This year will be a strange year for the Patriots, as this is a very weak draft outside of the first-round, so don’t expect the usual nine to 10 draft picks in one year. Instead expect smart and safe picks, as well as some trades for other players since the Patriots have four picks in the first and second round.
The Patriots have the 27th pick in the draft but this pick will be traded for a second-round pick and a future first-round pick.
So assuming that the team will trade one pick and keep the other 27th or 30th picks, the Patriots will select Vinny Curry, an outside linebacker from Marshall University. Curry will be the edge pass-rusher that the Patriots have been looking for. Now is the time to go all in since Tom Brady’s career is coming closer to an end.
The first-round trade leaves the Patriots with three second-round picks, and if they use all three then they will select talented playmakers. Predictions are Jared Crick, a defensive lineman from Nebraska, Mohamad Sanu, a wide receiver from Rutgers, and Mike Brewster, a center from Ohio State.
Crick just screams “Patriot,” and he will be a great fit in both the 3-4 and 4-3.
Sanu is a bit inexperienced, but perfect for the Patriots if he improves.

Brewster is a safe pick, but an important pick. He just needs to protect the pocket for Brady.