Round Table: Trading Up

If the Patriots were going to trade up into the Top 10, what player would you like to see them target?

Stephen: In my mind there are three prospects I’d be willing to trade into the top 10 for: Von Miller, Robert Quinn and A.J. Green. While some would say Miller is undersized, I think his dominance as a pass rusher is simply too good to overlook. He has elite athleticism (4.49 speed) and production. Quinn has prototypical size for a 3-4 OLB and has equally good athleticism. Green is a future No. 1 receiver and would be the perfect compliment to our group of smaller, quicker receivers. However, I would value Miller and Quinn higher because of the need.

Derek: I think the Patriots will end up with a pretty good prospect at the #17 slot, so if they are going to move up, I would only want to see them jump a few spots as they’d have to sell the house to get into the Top 5.  The two players I have my eye on in the Top 10 are Von Miller and Robert Quinn, with Miller being the one that I would rate more highly.  However, Miller will likely go in the first five picks or so, which makes Quinn the player that I’d like to see New England make a move for if he slips towards the tail end of the Top 10. 

Rick: The one player that I want to see the Patriots trade up for would be Julio Jones. We saw at the NFL combine that Jones has very good speed and is an ideal deep threat for Tom Brady and this offense. With all the skill receivers they have, Jones can stretch the field and make any catch he gets his hands on. He can even play with a broken foot like he did in 2011 for Alabama which is remarkable. I’m not as sold on Von Miller and New England does not need another CB like a Patrick Peterson. So, we are looking at either Jones or a DL like a Nick Fairley from Auburn or a Robert Quinn from North Carolina.

Jason:  In my mind, there are four prospects that could be worth the cost of trading up. Von Miller would bring the kind of athleticism and pass-rushing ability the Pats need at OLB. CB Patrick Peterson has the size and raw talent to be a Pro Bowler for years to come. A.J. Green and Julio Jones both look like the kind of talents that will instantly make any team better, and the Patriots could do worse than adding a bona fide #1 WR. If I had to choose only one, it would be Miller. He is a bit undersized to play OLB in a 3-4, but his non-stop motor and nose for the football could make him a force to be reckoned with on a Bill Belichick defense.