FanPost

Trade Up Theory

So at the top of the draft are two teams that both clearly want to improve their QB. Yes, Detroit needs to improve everything, but QB is a good place to start. As such, Matt Kiper has both the the Lions and the Chiefs picking QB's in his initial mock draft. But neither Sanchez nor Stafford are sure things. I'm not privy to the internal testing and such that these teams do, but I don't think I would use a high first-rounder on either of these guys.

On the other hand, high on most draft boards (and a player whose draft stock is improving daily) is an outside linebacker from Wake Forest named Aaron Curry. Now, linebacker is considered an area of need for the Patriots and they just happen to have two NFL-quality quarterbacks on their rosters. In a lot of respects, it would make sense for a trade between NE/Det or NE/KC along the lines of Matt Cassel for their high first round selection.

Obviously there are some contra-indicators from a Patriots perspective.

1) What if Brady doesn't come back healthy?

    I don't think this is much of an issue. The Patriots are going to find some guy (whio only they know) in the sixth or seventh round who can fill in as QB backup. He will either hold a clipboard for 3-4 seasons or turn into the next Joe Montana

2) The Patriots draft board never looks like anyone elses.

   This is a real concern, but Curry looks like the real deal and would definitely be a huge boost to a defense that is getting long in the tooth.

3) The Patriots don't like the high draft picks because of the contract cost.

   This is the biggest counter argument to a trade. But the Patriots have been willing to shell out big bucks for free agents who were sure things and Curry looks like the real deal (at least to me).

 

Any perspective from a Detroit or KC fan is appreciated as well.

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