Patriots Rumors: Robert Kraft May Link J.J. McCarthy to Tom Brady, Accept Trade Down

The New England Patriots are believed to be eyeing a quarterback with the No. 3 pick in Thursday's NFL draft, but they reportedly could look to trade down in hopes of landing a signal-caller who has a connection to the greatest player in franchise history.

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported on Wednesday that although the Patriots project LSU's Jayden Daniels and North Carolina's Drake Maye ahead of Michigan's J.J. McCarthy, team owner Robert Kraft could be eyeing McCarthy because of his similarities to Tom Brady.

"My sense after asking around to several sources is that the Patriots have Daniels rated ahead of North Carolina's Drake Maye in the pecking order but still like Maye's upside," Fowler stated. "McCarthy would fall somewhere after that, though I was reminded Tuesday night to not totally discount Robert Kraft's affinity for Tom Brady, who might see shades of himself in McCarthy, a fellow Michigan product. The Patriots could trade back and acquire McCarthy with a later pick."

McCarthy has risen in popularity throughout the pre-draft process. In its latest mock draft, B/R's NFL Scouting Department predicted that he would land with the Minnesota Vikings at the No. 11 pick, while the Patriots would stay put to draft Daniels at No. 3.

Fowler added that the Patriots "have fielded trade calls but haven't been wowed by a potential deal yet," so despite them being "open to offers," it appears that "signs point to them staying put."

New England will also likely be looking to fill a hole at wide receiver in the draft, and Fowler noted the team could address the position with its second-round pick or a draft-day trade.

"Should New England select a quarterback at No. 3, don't be surprised if it seriously considers a wide receiver at No. 35, assuming the options it likes are available," Fowler stated. "The Pats could swing a trade for a wide receiver, but it would be shocking if they didn't come out of the draft with a pass-catcher somewhere relatively high."