Here’s a look at five New England Patriots who could be traded during the 2019 NFL Draft. You never know when Bill Belichick is going to deal a veteran — but these draft nights are as good a time as any for him to part ways with players.
Dont’a Hightower, LB: Linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley was the biggest surprise of the Patriots’ 2018 draft class. He suffered a season-ending injury, so New England saw him barely scratch the surface of his potential. But he’s a standout player on and off the field. Hightower, meanwhile, is coming off his best season in a few years, but could see a regression in the coming years at 29 years old. In one sense, the Patriots will need his leadership with so much turnover on the coaching staff. And yet, Belichick is never afraid to sell high on a veteran, even if he’s one of the coach’s favorite players.
Devin McCourty, S: McCourty, 31, just enjoyed a solid season, and is still playing well despite being one of the older members of the defense. The Patriots may want to get McCourty’s contract off the books. He is also the kind of leader a team would be interested in acquiring. In some ways, however, McCourty is a trickier trade candidate. His value sinks with his admission that he was considering retirement in 2019. Would he retire if New England traded him? Would he play a season and call it?
Shaq Mason, G: He’s one of the best players at his position, and he’s getting paid like it. While Mason is outstanding, Belichick could try to draft and develop a guard for a fraction of the price. If New England finds a good return for Mason, the guard could end up elsewhere in 2019.
Duke Dawson, CB: After just one season with the Patriots, the 2018 second-round pick has yet to play a game. He started the season on injured reserve, but even after he returned to the active roster, he was not added to the active game day roster. Now, the Patriots are rumored to want to draft a cornerback high in 2019. Could New England move on from Dawson?
Deatrich Wise, DE: The Patriots need more defensive ends, so trading Wise would be somewhat counter-intuitive. However, the Patriots seem to have hit a wall with Wise, whose only role has been as a situational pass rusher. Another team might value that sort of role player in a more significant way than the Patriots.
