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NFL Draft Insider Tony Pauline relayed some interesting Patriots information in his weekly round-ups.
One scenario I’m hearing for the New England Patriots is a trade out of the 32nd pick, something the team has had a lot of success with in the past, and moving down a few slots to select offensive guard AJ Cann.
There's nothing certain about this trade down and New England absolutely won't trade away their pick until they see how the board falls in front of them. But all of the signs point towards this series of events.
Patriots Director of Player Personnel and Bill Belichick's right hand man Nick Caserio mentioned how the draft is filled with plenty of depth from the "20-45 range," where there isn't a great difference in talent. This would allow New England to trade down into the top of the second and still pick-up a top tier talent.
Additionally, former offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia was on hand to personally work out Cann during the guard's Pro Day. Scar has taken on a scouting role for the team and was responsible for the selections of both center Bryan Stork and tackle Cameron Fleming in last season's draft. Scar was reportedly heavily involved with Cann during the work out and stated that "Cann’s three most important traits, in order, are smarts, toughness and athleticism."
Cann is better in a power-blocking scheme, which aligns with coach Dave DeGuglielmo's strengths, and is a plug-and-play replacement for Dan Connolly at left guard. He's extremely athletic and most of his current flaws are technique based, not physical, and can be coached up. Cann has 51 starts in the SEC and was a two-year captain. He was named All American this past season.
Does this rumor make sense? Absolutely. Guard is the Patriots biggest need on the roster and Cann is considered the top pure-guard prospect in the draft. If New England can take their top prospect, while also picking up more picks later in the draft, then this would be a completely perfect Belichick move.