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While the Patriots have just won the Super Bowl against the Rams, the weeks and months after February 3 have not been really good for New England.
The off season has been marked by a massive exodus of coaches, the likely defensive coordinator going and coming even before being officially announced, Rob Gronkowski retiring, the best free agents Trey Flowers and Trent Brown leaving, missing some of the best receivers on the open market. Even showing interest, and oh yes, the owner Robert Kraft is accused of having solicited prostitution during a visit to a spa in Florida twice a day, including the day of the AFC championship game.
There has not been much excitement for the Patriots since the February 5 victory parade.
But that is likely to change next Thursday night with the first round of the NFL draft.
The Patriots must select 32nd overall, but they have 12 selections in total, including six in the top 101. This means there are plenty of opportunities to progress if the team thinks it's right. Given the need for impact players at a few positions – tight end, defensive line and wide receiver to name a few – it would not be surprising to see Bill Belichick make a similar move to those of the past for catch a player that he really likes.
In 2002, the Patriots went from No. 32 to No. 21 at the choice of tight half Daniel Graham. In 2006, they moved to 36th place in the second round and got Chad Jackson. In 2010, they also climbed to 42nd place in the second round and earned Gronkowski. And then in 2012, they went from number 31 to number 25 to choose Dont'a Hightower.
With the exception of Jackson, these offers worked. So who could potentially be targeted this year?
Tight ends T.J. We certainly think of Hockenson and Noah Fant, although it is likely that these two players will go very high (potentially among the top 15) and that a recovery will probably not happen. Defensive tackles Christian Wilkins and Jeffery Simmons are also possibilities if the team really likes them and does not like the next wave at this position.
Imagine the hype that was made if an exchange was made and that Hockenson or Fant had landed – it would be incredible after the loss of Gronkowski.
Even if the Patriots do not trade and do not qualify in 32nd overall, they will have a solid player with the potential to make an impact from this season. That's what the Patriots need during the off season – excitement.
Until now, Michael Bennett and Demaryius Thomas have been the most important. It's a big step forward five years ago, but these players are approaching the end of their careers and are not what they used to be.
And even if the Patriots negotiate the 32nd place, it would probably be for several second and third round picks and these players could certainly have an impact, otherwise the team would not make such an exchange. The weapons for Tom Brady in the passing game would probably be selected with these and that always makes people talk.
Really, no matter what happens next weekend, there will be something to be excited about by the team, which is very different from the loss of the off season.
A quarterback was not even mentioned and there is a chance that we can choose one, even potentially at the very beginning. Remember how intriguing the selection of Jimmy Garoppolo had? It would be pretty similar.
In terms of excitement, there really has not been much for the Patriots in recent months, but there is a good chance this will change this time next week.
Be ready.
Related: How Brandon Bolden Heard Bill Belichick When He Was With Dolphins
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