With just over 24 hours remaining until the start of the 2018 NFL Draft, rumors are flying at a hot and heavy pace around league circles. We already know that the Denver Broncos are taking calls about the fifth pick in the draft. The idea here is for GM John Elway and Co. to collect a bounty of picks from a team in desperate need of a quarterback.
While the New England Patriots’ situation isn’t desperate in and of itself, the team is said to be looking to move up in the first round on Thursday. That’s been known for some time, with UCLA’s Josh Rosen being the likely target.
According to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, New England is “viewed as the team to watch” in a move up for a potential “top-flight” quarterback.
Note on the #Patriots: With two first-round picks and interest in a possible top-flight QB, they have more than enough ammo to move up in the first round. They are viewed as a team to watch coming up for a passer, depending on who falls.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 25, 2018
Boasting two first-round picks (23rd and 31st) and two second-round picks, the Pats have the ability to move up as high as they want for a signal caller. Though, a trade up into the top five would likely cost all four picks in addition to a high-round selection next year.
It’s in this that the San Francisco 49ers — picking ninth overall — have to be seen as a potential trade partner. New England and San Francisco have a great relationship from a front office standpoint. The 23rd and 31st picks are also seemingly enough to make a trade of this ilk work. With the two having already worked out a blockbuster Jimmy Garoppolo trade back in October, they could very well decide to get together again.
Though, that’s all dependent on Rosen actually being available at nine. He could be facing a draft day slide, which would play into New England’s favor.