As we kill time before the 2012 NFL Draft restarts at 7:00 PM, here are three Patriots predictions for day two of the draft, where the Patriots currently hold pick 48 and 62:
Patriots Will Trade Down from 48. Unless there's a player that the Patriots really like at 48, I can't see the team holding on to this pick. Currently, the Patriots don't own a single selection after the second round. I think the team will likely want to fill out their draft board a little, so perhaps they'll work a deal to trade back to the third round, while picking up a pair of day three selections.
Patriots Will Select a Young Target for Tom Brady. The Patriots have the NFL's oldest receiving corps, and they could desperately use an infusion of young talent. That being said, I think the Patriots will select a young wide receiver target for quarterback Tom Brady at some point tonight. A few names that stand out as options: Mohamed Sanu, Reuben Randle, Dwight Jones, Stephen Hill, Joe Adams, Brian Quick, Marvin Jones, and Chris Givens (I am not a fan of Alshon Jeffrey).
Patriots Won't Draft a Safety Round 2. Along with the outside linebacker / defensive end, the safety position was considered arguably the Patriots biggest need heading into the 2012 NFL Draft. The Patriots didn't select a safety in round one, and many people will expect them to address the position in round two. I don't. There's a few solid players left at the position: Markelle Martin, Brandon Taylor, George Illoka, Trumaine Johnson to name a few. However, I think the Patriots can get any of those guys in round three (maybe Johnson will be selected round two), and I don't think coach Bill Belichick will reach for one of those players in round two.