Carter & Hunter gone by 4# Trade down?

[Toofy]

I agree, but they have to be exceptional. Quentin Nelson is a guy who would fit that criteria, but they are rare. The same can be said of RB, where I can see an argument for Ashton Jeanty. Most people will balk, and make a valid argument that you can get good running backs on days 2 & 3, but Jeanty isn’t any RB, he’s a guy who gives you an instant first rate run game. And if you want to build a dominant physical team then running the ball down their throats is the best way to get there. However in this draft I think a better route, provided they address OT in free agency, would be to take Graham at 4, then take either Omarion Hampton or Kaleb Johnson in the 2nd round.

Kaleb Johnson is a beneficiary of giant sized holes created by his Oline. Would be very wary of drafting him in 2nd round.

Either they are playing crappy teams or their Oline is stud level especially the right guard and RT.

 

[cmasspatsfan]

I'm hoping Simmons is available with our second pick, might have to trade up to get him though. This is contingent on his physical.

 

[Wozzy]

Who are you even talking about? Travis Hunter is 6'1 and won the Biletnikoff award. Marcus Jones is a nickel CB and only 5'8. Hunter is an outside corner.

Let’s see what Hunter measures/weighs at the combine, According to his college page he weighs 185 pounds… a lightweight.

Either way, the Pats need another undersized CB like they need a hole in the head. They need bulls on both lines badly. That’s how football games get won.

 

[Love The Drake]

H

 

[denverpatsfan]

This mock has Carter and Graham going 7 & 8....
Pats might be able to get one of these guys at 4.
2025 NFL Mock Draft Version 2.0

 

[Lansdowne]

This mock has Carter and Graham going 7 & 8....
Pats might be able to get one of these guys at 4.
2025 NFL Mock Draft Version 2.0

In fairness that was published January 7th and has Shedeur Sanders going 1st overall. A lot of new info has come out since then, including Myles Garrett’s trade request, which may influence which direction they go at 2nd overall. It was also likely written before seeing Abdul Carter’s performance in the CFP.

 

[lancerman]

In fairness that was published January 7th and has Shedeur Sanders going 1st overall. A lot of new info has come out since then, including Myles Garrett’s trade request, which may influence which direction they go at 2nd overall. It was also likely written before seeing Abdul Carter’s performance in the CFP.

Also it just came out today that Stafford is actively seeking a trade. The Giants should be first in line.

 

[Love The Drake]

Also it just came out today that Stafford is actively seeking a trade. The Giants should be first in line.

I think that is the best spot for him.

 

[PWRxWLF]

This mock has Carter and Graham going 7 & 8....
Pats might be able to get one of these guys at 4.
2025 NFL Mock Draft Version 2.0

Draft Graham then jump back up for Ersery or stay put in rd 2 thinking Conerly is there?

 

[imahobgoblin]

Let’s see what Hunter measures/weighs at the combine, According to his college page he weighs 185 pounds… a lightweight.

Either way, the Pats need another undersized CB like they need a hole in the head. They need bulls on both lines badly. That’s how football games get won.

You don't even get it. If he claims to be 6'1" and measures in at 6'0, he is still not undersized. But the only person disputing his height is you and he is the same height as Christian Gonzalez. He is not undersized. You don't even know Hunter doesn't play the same position as Marcus Jones. Slot corners are acceptably shorter and more athletic because they cover slot receivers who are typically shorter and twitchy. You totally ignore Hunter was the best WR in all of college football last year and act as if he just played the position here and there. So now your complaint is that Hunter is 185 lbs. DeVonta Smith plays at 170lbs and is fantastic.

 

[mgteich]

You don't even get it. If he claims to be 6'1" and measures in at 6'0, he is still not undersized. But the only person disputing his height is you and he is the same height as Christian Gonzalez. He is not undersized. You don't even know Hunter doesn't play the same position as Marcus Jones. Slot corners are acceptably shorter and more athletic because they cover slot receivers who are typically shorter and twitchy. You totally ignore Hunter was the best WR in all of college football last year and act as if he just played the position here and there. So now your complaint is that Hunter is 185 lbs. DeVonta Smith plays at 170lbs and is fantastic.

Many have a gut feeling that Hunter will not be the best value for us, even if he is available. Then we come up with reasons for that position.

Personally, I would much rather have Carter or Graham. And, yes, I could see trade down a couple of spots if Carter is gone.

 

[bakes781]

Trade down and into next year would even better.

 

[bakes781]

Also it just came out today that Stafford is actively seeking a trade. The Giants should be first in line.

I don't get why? Is it just being in LA? They are just getting good again.

 

[VJCPatriot]

Let’s see what Hunter measures/weighs at the combine, According to his college page he weighs 185 pounds… a lightweight.

Either way, the Pats need another undersized CB like they need a hole in the head. They need bulls on both lines badly. That’s how football games get won.

Deion Sanders was 6'1 195 btw. HOF cornerback. It's not like he was a hulking specimen but man did he completely change the game when he was on the field. I don't believe there are any 220 lb CBs that have been any good in this league but please find the outlier.

 

[lancerman]

I don't get why? Is it just being in LA? They are just getting good again.

Stafford wants big money and the Rams don't think he's good enough to lock up that much cap

 

[imahobgoblin]

Many have a gut feeling that Hunter will not be the best value for us, even if he is available. Then we come up with reasons for that position.

Personally, I would much rather have Carter or Graham. And, yes, I could see trade down a couple of spots if Carter is gone.

I have no issue with that, Wozzy has no idea what he is talking about as usual. To make up crap about Hunter being short or not a good receiver is ludicrous. If we draft Hunter, I would want to see him play WR and then 3rd downs on D at CB.

 

[lancerman]

I have no issue with that, Wozzy has no idea what he is talking about as usual. To make up crap about Hunter being short or not a good receiver is ludicrous. If we draft Hunter, I would want to see him play WR and then 3rd downs on D at CB.

That wouldn't happen. If he plays both ways it's as a CB with some gadget WR plays.

There's no real way you have a "gadget CB". Too important of a position to say on critical 3rd downs you are going to put in guy who isn't focusing on the position. A CB needs to be able to go on the field and have studied and know every route the WR's could run and where their assignment fits in. A gadget WR works because you can draw up a couple 3 custom routes that and that's all they have to know.

The ****show that would happen the minute a team tried to put Hunter in for the first time in a game on a big third down and a drive got extended would be the last time any team does it.

Anyways it's pretty obvious he's going to be a CB first and maybe run some plays at WR. He's going in the combine at CB, every draft evaluation is grading him as a CB. His best chance of success in the league is to be a CB.

 

[bakes781]

That wouldn't happen. If he plays both ways it's as a CB with some gadget WR plays.

There's no real way you have a "gadget CB". Too important of a position to say on critical 3rd downs you are going to put in guy who isn't focusing on the position. A CB needs to be able to go on the field and have studied and know every route the WR's could run and where their assignment fits in. A gadget WR works because you can draw up a couple 3 custom routes that and that's all they have to know.

The ****show that would happen the minute a team tried to put Hunter in for the first time in a game on a big third down and a drive got extended would be the last time any team does it.

Anyways it's pretty obvious he's going to be a CB first and maybe run some plays at WR. He's going in the combine at CB, every draft evaluation is grading him as a CB. His best chance of success in the league is to be a CB.

I like the idea of using him at WR strictly in the redzone for a couple of reasons. First because obviously he won't have to run as far lol and 2nd because we wouldn't want to tip off the defense that whenever he comes in it's not likely that he'll be running deep routes.

 

[Drunken Cicerone]

Trading down guarantees you pay less for the draft pick.

2024:
#4 pick got $8.8mm per year
#12 pick got $4.7mm per year
#33 pick got $2.5mm per year
#50 pick got $1.9mm per year

Trading down guarentees you get more picks which can be helpful if your team has many holes to fill

Trading down can help you match BPA with your biggest positional need if your current pick doesn't accomplish that.

Trading down can prevent you being stuck with an awful contract if the pick is a bust.

Trading down can create value if you receive more in trade value.

I hope the Patriots can trade down from #4 to around 9-12 where OT's will likely not be huge reaches and where the contract is around 50% of pick #4.

If the Patriots are considering trading down to save $4M next season we’re beyond doomed for the foreseeable future

 

[silentone]

If the Patriots are considering trading down to save $4M next season we’re beyond doomed for the foreseeable future

If the Patriots are considering trading down to save $4M next season we’re beyond doomed for the foreseeable future

A different perspective - Generally speaking each team has the same amount of money to spend (let's assume you don't borrow excessively in future years as you want a sustainable model). In 2024 that was $255mm. The team that the gets the most bang for their bucks or creates the most suplus value or excess value or value above replacement will generally have the most positive point differential over the course of the season which for me is the quantifiable goal.

If you are not excellent at differentiating talent or if multiple players have the same grade, you should trade down, and allocate the $4mm elsewhere. Since I don't think the Pats and the NFL in general are good at differentiating and many players have the same or similar grades, I would look to opporunistically trade down.

This isn't about saving $4mm in isolation. It's about how you allocate the money. Just reading this forum, some people love Hunter, some hate him. Some people think he is 6'1, other think under 6 feet, some say it doesn't matter. Some say take Campbell #4, some say he is a guard and should draft him lower. I've seen Banks and Simmons in top 10. I've also seen them mocked much lower. Unless there is a clear cut, great talent at #4, I hope they trade down, not to save money rather to allocate it strategically and create value.