The 2012 NFL draft is right around the corner, which means that mock drafts are coming out of the woodwork. The Patriots have two first-round picks, but in SB Nation's draft site, Mocking the Draft's latest mock draft, they predict the Pats to do something that New England doesn't often do: trade up.
In MTD's latest prediction, the Patriots will trade their two first-round picks to the Carolina Panthers to move up to No. 9 to select North Carolina defensive end Quinton Coples.
Quinton Coples | Defensive end | North Carolina: The Patriots would have won Super Bowls in 2007 and 2011 if their defense had a pass rush. The rushing woes have been so bad of late that devoted 3-4 disciple Bill Belichcick had to switch his base front to a 4-3 last year. With Coples falling to No. 9, this is too good for the Patriots to pass up. They give up both first round picks, a fourth rounder, and a fifth rounder. Coples can play both DE or outside linebacker, allowing Belichick to keep his hybrid 4-3 look.
Coples would be a good addition to any defense due to his ability to rush the passer, and we all know that no team can have too many good pass rushers. It would obviously help the team's struggling secondary to pressure the quarterback a little more too.
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