If the Pats want their pick back here is my opinion on what they should do. Challenge the NFL . IMO, the balls were deflated due to the ideal gas law. According to BB, the Pats ran simulations of such occurrence after the 2015 AFCC and found similar results. So put the NFL on the spot. Challenge to run the same type of experiment (you know the type the NFL claimed they were going to do during the season but changed things after they found out the results and refused to release any data, that one). Do it in the same type of conditions as in the AFCC and have lawyers and representatives for both the Pats and the NFL present for fairness. If the balls show a deflation similar to the AFCC then the Pats gets their picks and fine back. Id be tempted to claim the Pats should receive extra compensation, but I'd be happy with the picks back, the NFL stating they were wrong and redemption for the Pats and Brady. And if they balls do not deflate then the Pats give up their 2017 1st round pick as well. I think a challenge like this from the Pats would have the entire anti Pats media and NFL personal itching to punish the Pats more and would really show their bias. I think the pressure would be squarely on the NFL to take the Pats up on their challenge cuz there is still a strong majority that feel the Pats cheated and are arrogant.
I don't think the NFL would ever do this. Even now I think they realize that the Pats didn't tamper with the balls. Even Goodell now says its not about the Pats breaking the rules its about the NFL having the right to do whatever they want to do.