Perhaps more than any non-contending team in the NFL, the San Francisco 49ers' draft situation is very intriguing. The 49ers have had to retool their entire roster due to the upcoming extension for Brock Purdy, which hasn't been finalized, but is expected to be over the next few months.
For the New England Patriots, that could mean that they look to make a trade with the 49ers in the draft. In a recent proposal from Pro Football Focus, they had the 49ers trading up for the No. 4 pick in a deal that would involve the No. 217 selection, too. The deal would send Nos. 11, 100, 160, and a 2026 third-rounder to the Patriots.
“The Patriots feel like potential trade-down candidates from Pick No. 4, but the option becomes worthwhile for them only if Travis Hunter and Abdul Carter are both off the table — a very real possibility. If that’s the case, the 49ers are trade-up candidates."
“This mock trade nets the Patriots the No. 11 pick, as well as Pick Nos. 100 and 160 and a 2026 third-rounder. For a roster with many holes, securing extra picks is pertinent. Depending on how the draft shakes out, New England could grab one of the top offensive linemen on their board, wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan or the defensive player of their choice at Pick No. 11, all while having extra picks to bolster the roster,” they wrote.
It's tough to see why the Patriots would fall seven spots, unless they believe a wide receiver like Tetairoa McMillan would be available.
However, if the team wants Abdul Carter or Travis Hunter and they both sit at No. 4, making that pick would be the wise decision.
