Patriots Notebook: What would it have taken to land the No. 2 overall pick and Baker Mayfield?

The report the Patriots were possibly in the mix for the second overall pick — and quarterback Baker Mayfield — got us thinking about what it would have taken for New York GM Dave Gettleman to part with the choice.



Consulting our trade value chart, the Giants’ No. 2 pick — the pick the Patriots were apparently interested in if they hoped to land the Oklahoma quarterback — was worth 2,600 points. New England’s two first-round picks (23 and 31) add up to 1,360 points. If the Patriots wanted to try and sweeten the pot to make up the difference, they would theoretically have had to throw in No. 43 (470), and 63 (276), and even then, that would have gotten them to 2,106 — still nowhere near the value of that No. 2 pick. Maybe a second-round selection in 2019 as well? Whatever the case may be, it would have taken a haul of absolutely epic proportions. It also would have been seriously out-of-character for someone like Bill Belichick to move all that draft capital in the name of one player. But perhaps he was convinced that Mayfield was the answer. Who knows?

The one other possibility that was floated on social media? The deal would involve some swap of players. Considering recent history, would it have involved some combination of Rob Gronkowski and/or Odell Beckham Jr.? The mind reels at what might have happened. Regardless, the trade didn’t come to pass, but it’s certainly interesting to ponder some of the possibilities.

Liipfert leaving scouting department

The Patriots are losing national scout James Liipfert to the Texans, according to ESPN.

Liipfert is headed to Houston to become their Director of College Scouting. It’s a natural move for Liipfert, who will be basically joining Patriots Southwest with Bill O’Brien and Romeo Crennel. It also makes sense because it’s a step up, as well as the fact that there are a few individuals ahead of him on the food chain in Foxborough, including DuJuan Daniels. So it’s a tough move to turn down.

BSJ analysis: So what does this move mean for the Patriots?

Good scouts are the lifeblood of any organization, and Liipfert was a well-respected personnel man. A former Georgia Tech linebacker, a league source says many around the NFL hold him in “high esteem.” Liipfert has worked for the Patriots for the past nine years, spending the past three as a national scout. Look for New England to promote from within when it comes to filling the role.

Former Bengal Hill recalls 'On To Cincinnati' game from a different angle

Jeremy Hill met the local media for the first time as a member of the Patriots on Tuesday, and the former Bengal running back was asked about his experience when it came to the famous "On To Cincinnati" game of 2014, the contest remembered around these parts as the game where Tom Brady and the Patriots regained their collective mojo on the way to a Super Bowl crown.

"It started bad and it ended even worse," he said with a smile. "It was not good. Those guys came out fired up, locked in, very well prepared and ready to go."

As far as Hill was concerned this past offseason, it wasn't much of a question when it came to a decision on where to sign.

"(It's) probably the most well-prepared team I've ever played (against), just defensively, offensively, low turnovers, low penalties and it’s just really tough to beat teams like that," he said.

"(When) I got a call saying they wanted me on a visit, I jumped on a plane as quick as I could. I’m excited about the opportunity that they have here for me."