Phil Perry has a lot to say about the idea of the Patriots drafting Bijan Robinson.
It's anyone's guess what the New England Patriots will do with the No. 14 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. They could upgrade the offense with a wide receiver, protect Mac Jones with a tackle, or bolster the defense with an addition to the secondary. Those positions are their biggest needs heading into the new season.
But what if they don't use the No. 14 pick at all?
A trade down the draft board is always on the table for Bill Belichick. In fact, ESPN's Todd McShay has the Patriots trading the 14th pick to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the 19th pick, which they use to select Tennessee right tackle Darnell Wright.
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SIGN UP HERE Our Phil Perry believes in this year's draft, such a deal would be a smart move for Belichick and Co. He explained why on the latest episode of the Next Pats Podcast.
Next Pats Podcast: What’s going on with Mac Jones, why a trade down could be in the Patriots future, 1-on-1 with Tyler Scott | Listen & Follow | Watch on YouTube
"If the Patriots are looking at it, they're sitting there at 14 and they see a cluster of eight players that they like. Why not move down a couple of spots?" Perry asked.
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"I like this thought process for the Patriots because I think for this particular draft, where you only have a handful of blue-chip players at non-quarterback positions, I think they're gone by the time you get to No. 14 overall. And I think you can get pretty much the same player at 19, I think you can get pretty much the same player at 20 or 25. I like this idea from Todd McShay for this year's Patriots. Move back, pick up, the extra third-round pick and get Darnell Wright. ... Love it."
Also in the new episode: The latest on whether Bill Belichick “shopped” Mac Jones. How do current players feel about the drama? Round-up of recent Patriots’ mock drafts. Would you rather: trade up, stay, or trade down? And a 1-on-1 with Tyler Scott.
Check out the latest episode of the Next Pats Podcast on the NBC Sports Boston Podcast Network, or watch it on YouTube below: