Patriots fans and media alike are all hyper focused on the Patriots having the third overall pick and drafting quarterback that we forget that they also have a high pick in the second round. The Patriots currently own Pick 34 which is a great pick to own in any draft. 

It is a prime pick but more importantly, it is a flexible pick that positions the Patriots to use it in a trade up or down or they can stick and pick an impact player. 

First round caliber talent is always available at the top of the second round. Three years ago, Bill Belichick traded up to the 38th pick to draft Christian Barmore who was projected to be a top 15 pick in the 2021 draft. Barmore dropped and the Patriots capitalized. He has since developed into one of the best interior defensive lineman in the game. 

Eliot Wolf will have options. Here are the three ways the Patriots could use the pick.

1. Stick and pick: As I mentioned, there is always plenty of talent at the top of the second round. The Patriots could stay put and take either an offensive tackle or a wide receiver. They could also go with the best player available. Bottom line, they should not force it if a deal is not there to be made. Take the right player and be happy about it. 

2. Trade up: I think the Patriots trading up is a viable option. They need a left tackle and there will be a run on them in the bottom of the first round. If the Patriots want to get one, they might want to consider using the 34th pick and future compensation to move up six to eight spots and land one of the top six offensive tackles. Much of this will obviously depend on their board and how they rank them. 

3. Trade down: Also a viable option. The Patriots could trade down and pick up more picks in this draft or even maybe future compensation. The roster is devoid of talent and depth at key spots. If the Patriots have an opportunity to add more draft capital and draft more players in the process, it is something that Eliot Wolf and company have to consider. 

Much of the focus has been on the third overall pick and what the Patriots will do with it but let’s not forget about the value of Pick 34. It is a valuable pick and the Patriots will have some options when it comes to what to how they use it on night one or two of the draft.

Ultimately, I would like to see them either trade up or stay out and take an impact player. Extra picks are great but this team lacks A  players. They need upper echelon talent.