If I knew that, I'd be a very rich man. And I am not that.
I will tell you what I've been hearing about the Patriots in the run-up to the draft, and what I think they could do should various options present themselves.
First, here are Team BSJ's picks for the most Patriots-like players at each position in three different parts of the draft: early, middle and late.
Offense
Quarterbacks
Running backs
Tight ends
Receivers
Tackles
Guards/centers
Defense
Edge
Interior
Linebackers
Cornerbacks
Safeties
Defensive tackles
Special teams
As for the first round, I'm sure you've heard various reports about how the Patriots like this player or that player, or they've shown a lot of interest in Player X, Y and Z. Take it with a grain of salt. Maybe some in the Patriots' organization has interest in various players, but the truth of the matter is it doesn't matter. The only thing that matters is what Bill Belichick and his right-hand man, Ernie Adams, think. And no one knows what that is. Belichick has often gone away from the board, much to the chagrin of his scouts, in the past.
As far as things I've heard around the league:
- Most people, including those who have a relationship with him, think Belichick will trade out of the first round. There's simply not enough elite talent in this draft for him to trade up that far. If a few players start to fall? Then all bets are off.
- Probably the player I've heard connected the most to the Patriots is Vandy cornerback JoeJuan Williams. He has rare height and length at the position. No, cornerback is not an immediate need, but Stephon Gilmore's cap number will be about $19 million next season. That is not going to happen. Patriots love to give themselves options in those scenarios.
- I think the Patriots would be thrilled if Clemson NT Dexter Lawrence was there at 32. He's Vince Wilfork with some upside.
- I think Belichick would consider a receiver in the first round for the first time. They are that desperate, and it would make some people inside the building very happy. The Patriots know they need more people who can beat man coverage.
- In the end, however, I think there are too many teams now that are looking for similar players to the Patriots and most of their favorites are taken before 32. Trading out is the first option, but if there are no takers, then I think the Patriots would be willing to take Mississippi State DT Jeffrey Simmons and give him a redshirt year with the fifth-year option available. He's coming off a January ACL and has a high school domestic violence incident, but he's stayed clean in college and his character is well-thought of around the league. And if he was healthy, he'd be a top 10 pick. He's a smaller Ndamukong Suh, and the Patriots will need help at tackle a year from now.
- The Patriots rarely get a chance to draft players with that much talent. Can you imagine if the Patriots came out of this draft with Simmons and Josh Rosen? You're talking about two top-10 talents for pennies on the dollar. Yes, there would be a lot of swear words uttered in draft rooms around the league.