The New England Patriots have long coveted prospects from Alabama. Coach Nick Saban runs his program in ways similar to Bill Belichick’s approach in New England. And because of that, players like linebacker Dont’a Hightower have excelled with the Patriots, in part because Saban prepares them for Belichick. There have been exceptions (cornerback Cyrus Jones), but the Patriots tend to have success working with Crimson Tide alumni.
So as the Patriots eye quarterbacks in the 2020 NFL Draft after the departure of Tom Brady, the team may just have interest in Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. He has long been touted as a prospect who might land in the top three picks. But perhaps, he’ll slip. Why? He’s dealing with a hip injury that might scare off teams, particularly amid the coronavirus pandemic when they may not be able to get their own doctors to take a look at Tagovailoa. But there’s also negative buzz about his Xs and Os work and his interviews. Maybe it’s smokescreens. Maybe not. But we figured we’d consider how much the Patriots would have to give to move into range of drafting Tagovailoa — if only to entertain the thought experiment.
Here are four scenarios with estimates on what each move would cost. We’ll work our way up the draft board, starting with a move up to 17th and finishing with a move up to fourth overall.
Trading to 17th overall | Trading to 10th overall | Trading to 5th overall | Trading to 4th overall