The New England Patriots don't have a pick in the first round, but there's a chance they could trade up at the end of the night to make a pick- and because of that, we have to pay attention to how the first day plays out.
The earliest the Patriots can possibly draft is at 28th overall. The Patriots are stripped of their earliest selection in the first round (currently placed 29th), but the team could conceivable trade with the Chiefs, who own the prior selection, granting the Patriots the 28th overall pick. Theoretically, the Patriots could also trade with the Cardinals (29th), Panthers (30th), or Broncos (31st) to make one of the final three picks in the first round.
What players are possible fits? The Patriots are rumored to be looking at pass rushers and safeties, and the team also has needs at both offensive and defensive tackle, as well as running back, wide receiver, and cornerback.
The only way I see the Patriots trading back into the first round would be if a top 20 prospect that played a shallow position fell to the end of the first round. It's hard to see the Patriots justifying trading up for a defensive tackle or pass rusher when there are just so many available.
Perhaps an offensive tackle like Michigan State's Jack Conklin or Ohio State's Taylor Decker (with that Urban Meyer connection) could inspire a trade, or maybe a cornerback like Houston's William Jackson III or Clemson's Mackensie Alexander would interest head coach Bill Belichick.
But it's hard to see a prospect that the Patriots would sacrifice multiple picks to acquire, especially when the team has some of the smallest draft capital in the league.
Instead, we'll be watching to see what other teams do in the draft and see how the draft's big board is set up for the second day of the draft, where the Patriots have four selections. It's going to be fun.
Use the comments section to keep track of any and all rumors or trades you hear throughout the day. Alabama center Ryan Kelly has become very popular, as has Mississippi State defensive tackle Chris Jones. I'm looking forward to how this day will play out.