Mel Kiper Jr. Wonders If Patriots Plan to Make This Draft Day Trade

The New England Patriots have a few major needs to address this offseason. They need receivers and trading for DeVante Parker makes perfect sense. The Patriots will probably get a few more receivers in the 2022 NFL Draft. What about cornerbacks? Stephon Gilmore’s trade left a big void on the roster. Bill Belichick lost some of his cornerbacks and now he needs to add fresh power.

According to many analysts, the Patriots have to address their cornerback issue in the upcoming draft. However, Belichick may not use his very first pick on a cornerback.

NFL draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. and Mike Reiss discussed the current cornerback class. Belichick is entering the NFL draft with the No.21 pick. The best corners will be gone by the time Belichick makes a move. He won’t be able to get Sauce Gardner, Derek Stingley Jr., and Trent McDuffie. These are the best in the group. Getting anyone else won’t be a smart move.

Patriots to get their draft pick through a trade

Experts agree that Stingley is the best in this group. However, he sustained a foot injury and missed nine games in 2021. Kiper has a theory and it revolves around Belichick and Stingley.

“Kiper wonders if Belichick might consider a trade into the teens if Stingley slips into that range, considering Stingley was tracking as a possible No. 1 player in the draft if not for the 2020 COVID-19 season and then suffering a torn Lisfranc ligament in his left foot that sidelined him for nine games in 2021,” Reiss wrote in a column published Sunday.

The Patriots won’t have trouble getting great players. If Belichick goes after a player to join his secondary, Dax Hill may jump in as a good option. He is incredible player and his versatility makes him an ideal option for the 2022 roster.

There’s more. Kiper says Utah linebacker Devin Lloyd will join the Patriots in the draft.

There are so many options for the team. Belichick has a few picks on his mind. Who will be his first one?