Left tackle is arguably as big a need for the New England Patriots as quarterback, a problem the team can solve by selecting “the next Trent Williams,” Amarius Mims, after a five-pick trade with the Minnesota Vikings in the 2024 NFL draft.
It’s a scenario put forward by The 33rd Team’s Ian Valentino. He outlined a trade to send the Pats’ third-overall pick, along with a third-round choice in 2025, to the Vikings for the 11th and 23rd selections this year, as well as a first-rounder next year.
Valentino has the Patriots using the first of the picks they’d receive not on a quarterback, but on Georgia standout Mims. He’s “the best pure talent in the class along the line but has limited experience (802 career snaps),” per Valentino, who also noted if Mims “stays healthy, he could be the next Trent Williams.”
As for quarterback, Valentino has the Patriots “be patient and play the board.” Their patience will be rewarded by taking Texas wide receiver Adonai Mitchell, “a top-notch route runner,” with the 23rd pick.
The Pats would need another trade to finally get their new QB1 in this scenario. It would mean sending picks 34 and 137 to the Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs for the 32nd selection, and using the final pick in the opening round to select Washington signal-caller Michael Penix Jr.
That would complete a busy but bountiful day’s work in this year’s draft. A day wisely begun by adding a foundational player to help rebuild a suspect offensive line.
Trent Williams Comparison Should Excite Patriots Ahead of Draft
Putting a player the caliber of would-be Hall of Famer Williams at the premium position along their offensive line would be transformative for the Patriots. Their post-Bill Belichick rebuild has been focused on quarterback, but any revival project will only succeeded with more talent in the trenches.
The right lineman can have almost the same impact on a team’s fortunes as a productive quarterback. You only need consult Williams’ career for proof.
