The Patriots want to trade up for......................no one. because they always draft so late I cannot remember a draft where there were not player's I hoped they would trade up for, until this one. This doesn't mean there aren't players I would love to have that will be gone if they don't because there are, however due to the overall depth of this draft, the consistency of the first 40 or so picks, and where their needs do and don't lie it doesn't make sense for me and moving down would be the optimal choice. I would rather see them double dip at TE and LB than use good picks to move up in the first, and if the TE's or LB go off the board too early then double dip at interior OL or DL.
By position:
QB-They aren't moving up for a QB in the first under any conditions. If they trade mallett Draft day they will most likely have to go for a vet FA left on the market because a rookie won't be able to get it done, but they still may add one at some point.
RB-Not a position of need but they will still take one at some point because they are thin at the position.
TE-Major need. I would love to see them take 2 but it is more likely they use a high choice on one and go with what they have plus a street free agent. I don't believe belichick would trade up for Ebron.
WR-Not really a need but not out of the realm of possibility either because there is quality there to be had. It will come down to who is available and how they feel about the young WR's. The other possibility would be if they thought they could take a big WR and use them as the hybrid receiving TE, and given the lack of quality and depth at TE in this draft that could be a real option for them. I don't think they would trade up for any of them due to price and plenty of other options.
OT-Not a need but they could draft an OT as a swing player they could use inside but as depth at OT as well. Although I don't see them trading up in the first this would actually be my most likely position, but it would be based on them having the versatility to play OG. There may be a couple of Tackles who could play Guard floating around in the early to mid twenties, and if they thought one was going to be a 10 year star (like Mankins) for them then they could pull the trigger. I wouldn't be surprised if there were guys going in the twenties and thirties in this draft who have better grades on them than Eric Fisher did last draft, and that's where they may see real value.
OG-RG is a need, Connolly is serviceable but that's all, he is better suited as depth on the unit. A guy like Bitonio could be fill this role perfectly for them, and with the talk he may be able to play Center i think he gets that much more valuable. However i still wouldn't use a first on him, let alone trade up for him.
C-It's a need and they know it. Wendell is another guy who is really a back-up. A dominant Center who can run the line for Brady is a tough thing to find, so they generally end up with the technicians instead. There isn't one worth a first but it could be a serious option in the second.
Defense:
DT-I don't believe DT is a big need right now. I think Wilfork and Kelly will return and Jones and Siliga give them depth. they could use insurance at the position though and if the right guy is there in the first i think Belichick takes him because that's a rare athlete position and if he sees Nix or Hagemann sitting there at #29 he may well go that route. Tuitt is another possibility because he could play 3-4 DE or a 4-3 DT role and Belichick values that versatility. I love donald as a player but would not trade up for him, to many other needs to deal with.
DE-A need for depth but slim pickings this year. I doubt they address it in the first but may go there in 2nd-4th rounds. I wouldn't trade up for ealy but he may be there, and in truth even if he was I would probably take a few other guys over him (e.g...Shazier-Sefarian-Jenkins-Hagemann....) If Crichton drops to 62# they should give him serious consideration.
LB-Huge need. I like the starters but they have nothing after that at all and need to address it multiple times. I would be really surprised if they didn't take 2 and possibly even 3 of them. I think belichick wants to see what he can get to fill out that unit in the draft and then he will add the back of the roster LB's this summer as i believe he has a decent list of guys who can fill the last two spots if necessary. I would love Shazier in the first and i would be happy with Mosely as well. And i can always dream that Anthony Barr will fall all the way to #29 but that ain't happening.
Safety-It is possible they take one early but i doubt it, and i don't think they would trade up for any in the first round. Their secondary is in really good shape and while they could add a player to it the spots are running out.
Cornerback-All set. They won't be trading up for one and i can't see them taking one in the first unless Deion declares again.
