Every year we have a dozen threads on who we would trade up for. Belichick is certainly willing to trade up a bit for value. He has not shown any inclination to make major moves involving 2 top draft picks which is what it would take for Miller. But, I agree that if Belichick saw the value, he would trade away 2 o3 3 picks for the right player.
IMO, this year is no different than any other year. A week or so after the combine, after we've sifted the analyses, we will have a more informed guess with with regard to who WE might want to trade for. We will also guess who BELICHICK might actually trade up for. We will also indicate what we are willing to give up for these superstuds.
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WHY WILL THIS DRAFT BE DIFFERENT FROM OTHER DRAFTS?
2010
Folks wanted to give virtually the whole draft for Suh.
Many wanted to make a major move up for Berry, McCain or even Spiller.
2009
Folks wanted to trade the farm for Curry or Raji.
2008
We wanted a fron seven player badly. Many wanted to amke a major move up for Long, Dorsey, Gholston or Ellis.
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SHALLOW DRAFT
The question is where the effect of this takes place. And BTW, teams will not think 3rd and 4th rounders are worth much as trade bait if they belive there is no value at that time in the draft.
My current strategy would be to trade our 2 thrirds for a 2nd ending up with 5 players in the top 60. This requires trading 92 and 74 for say 55. We would then have 17, 28, 33, 55 and 60.
MY BOTTOM LINE
There will be those who want to make a major move up for their ciritical player who might be as good as Suh or Curry or Gholston. Belichick may or may not take that risk.
For me, I would rather have 2 or 3 bites at the apple, rather than put all my eggs in one backet.
I may change my mind by mid March, after the combine, after we can better identify who the studs are, and if we have re-signed Light and Mankins. If we have not re-signed these folks, we need 2-3 OL's, 2 front seven players and a safety in our first six picks.
For me, I find it most unlikely that I would be willing to give up 2-3 of our top 4 picks for one player.
Who's saying "every year"? This particular year features a shallow draft, a youth-packed roster, and a lot of ammo to move around. IF the Patriots think that moving up would position them for a couple of rare impact players, this is an ideal year for that strategy.