Is there really this much drama in Patriots-land? We'll know draft weekend

The draft has always been a vital part of the Patriots team-building process. This year, it also figures to serve as a litmus test for how the core of the franchise will look in 2018 and beyond.

The news Wednesday morning that Tom Brady has yet to commit to playing in 2018 — stacked on top of the continued uncertainty about Rob Gronkowski’s status for the coming season — means that this draft will not only offer the chance for the Patriots address some personnel losses. It’ll also show where Bill Belichick stands when it comes to his thoughts on the future of the quarterback and the tight end in New England.



Belichick has never had two first-round picks and two second-round picks. (We wrote here he’s sitting on an infusion of young talent the likes of which he has never had as a coach.) There appear to be other pressing priorities — left tackle, linebacker — but if he goes hard after a quarterback or a tight end in the early going, it could tip Belichick’s hand as to what he might be expecting when it comes to Brady and Gronkowski and 2018.

Of course, as Belichick said last week, he doesn’t believe in drafting for need. It’s important to keep in mind the fact that the Patriots draft a quarterback every year. It's also important that players don't necessarily have to stand up and publicly make some sort of statement about their intentions when it comes to playing next year. (If things continue on their current path, it'll be interesting to hear from Brady when he makes the rounds to promote his Best Buddies charity event later this offseason.) And let's also keep in mind that in the ESPN report from Brady Wednesday morning, there was the fact that "people who know" Brady believe he will be back in 2018.

But it’s undeniable that this offseason continues to present a series of challenges for the coach when it comes to navigating his relationship with his superstars. The finale of "Tom vs. Time" seemed to hint at some of that, at least as it relates to Brady. (This would also fly in the face of his previous comments about playing until the age of 45.) And Gronkowski's cryptic presence on social media only serves to muddy the waters. The draft and all the currency that Belichick holds -- five picks in the top 100 overall -- could present the coach with an opportunity for him to make a seismic jolt or two that could remake the future of the franchise.

Ultimately, more than most, the blueprint for the Patriots’ success has depended on the draft. As we’ve seen with Belichick, when he crushes it one year (or back-to-back years), it usually means a Super Bowl sooner rather than later. It’s allowed him to stay a step ahead of the rest of the league, making moves early and showing an anticipatory flair that’s meant an unprecedented run of success. Now, this year’s team-building exercise will provide a glimpse into where he sees his own team headed, and what the next few years will bring for him, his All-Pro tight end and his Hall of Fame quarterback.