3 Bold Predictions for the Patriots in 2020 NFL Draft

The New England Patriots will conduct their first draft without Tom Brady on the squad in two decades. While everyone will be looking at the hole at quarterback, this team could stand to beef up their receiving corps while adding some reinforcements at defensive end and along the offensive line.

Bill Belichick is the king of zigging when all 31 other teams zag, so expect some unconventional moves from the Patriots over the weekend.

3. They Pick 3 Wide Receivers

N'Keal Harry has some promise, but anyone with a set of eyes that work could see that the Patriots' wide receiving corps was clearly the weak spot on this team. In a deep receiver class, they need to stock up in a pretty significant fashion on Days 2 and 3 of the draft. Players like Florida's Van Jefferson, South Carolina's Bryan Edwards, and Texas A&M's Quartney Davis fit the New England mold on offense and can generate separation at the line of scrimmage, meaning they would be solid picks for the Patriots.

2. Belichick Trades Trade up for a Pass Rusher

Belichick is a defensive coach through and through, and he will always jump at the chance to secure an elite pass rusher. Chase Young is the clear cut No. 1 edge prospect, but LSU's K'Lavon Chaisson and Iowa's AJ Epenesa are generally regarded as the two prospects who make up the next tier before a cavernous drop-off in talent. Belichick has the picks to move up in the first round, and he might need to do that if he wants either of those two.

1. They Do Not Take a Quarterback

The Patriots' quarterback room, which consists of Brian Hoyer and Jarrett Stidham, is not exactly on the level of Joe Montana and Steve Young, but Belichick's reluctance to chase some of the top free agent quarterbacks could be taken as a sign that he's satisfied with moving forward with either Stidham or Hoyer under center. Those expecting the Patriots to take a quarterback with the No. 23 overall pick in the draft could be sorely disappointed.