In his most recent mock draft, CBSSports.com analyst Pat Kirwan presents a scenario that would certainly shake things up for New England.
Instead of making the No. 31 overall selection, Kirwan envisions a scenario in which the Patriots ship that pick to Pittsburgh to sign restricted free agent receiver Mike Wallace.
"No one is sure if a team will go after Mike Wallace, but it is possible, and the Patriots have two first-round picks and plenty of salary cap space," Kirwan writes. "Wallace is 26 and would be a great fit in the Patriots offense. The Steelers could select fast-rising [Stephen] Hill after his big combine to replace the loss of Wallace."
Such a move would generate a lot of excitement, and also be quite expensive. But as Kirwan points out, the Patriots have the resources to make the splash if they so desire.
At the No. 27 spot, Kirwan gives the Patriots USC "tweener" Nick Perry.
"Bill Belichick loves versatile players on defense that can rush the passer and play coverage," Kirwan writes. "Perry gives the Patriots a chance to bounce between the 3-4 and 4-3 packages."
To read the mock draft, CLICK HERE.