Did the Patriots inadvertently leak their next draft target?
The New England Patriots are reportedly seeking to trade up in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft and the team's official Twitter account might've unintentionally revealed their target.
The Patriots selected Oregon cornerback Christian Gonzalez 17th overall Thursday. To commemorate his arrival, they shared a behind-the-scenes look inside their war room and Gonzalez's phone call with team leadership.
In the video, New England HC Bill Belichick is sitting at a laptop displaying footage from a University of North Carolina game which appears to show wideout Josh Downs scoring a touchdown.
It wouldn't be a surprise if New England is eyeing a receiver as quarterback Mac Jones prepares for what could be a career-defining season. However, it would be downright shocking if the typically tight-lipped Patriots accidentally leaked their target. The video has garnered a ton of engagement after the discovery and has yet to be deleted.
Whether Belichick planted the laptop to confuse rival teams or if the team is legitimately interested in Downs, he would be a great addition to the overhauled offense.
In free agency, New England lost last season's receiving leader, Jakobi Meyers. The Pats responded by then adding quality pass-catchers in JuJu Smith-Schuster and tight end Mike Gesicki, though more weapons are needed. While the 5-foot-9, 171-pound slot Downs may not be a No. 1 option, he would presumably be a reliable target for Jones.
Last season, Downs led the Tar Heels in receptions (94), receiving yards (1,029) and touchdowns (11). But with his talent, New England likely would have to move up from its No. 46 pick, which Belichick apparently is trying to do.
According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the Patriots unsuccessfully attempted to trade back into the first round on Thursday night. Given the late run on wide receiver selections in the first round, it would make sense if New England was attempting to trade up to secure Downs.
As Day 2 approaches and Downs remains on the board, New England has apparently not slowed its effort in making a trade happen. Mike Giardi, formerly of NFL Network, reported Friday that New England is inquiring about moving up in the second and third rounds, as it boasts a surplus of draft capital.
New England has 11 selections remaining in this weekend's draft, including four fourth-rounders. If Belichick truly wishes to draft Downs, he's well-positioned to make a move.
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