Patriots Draft Rumors: New England Has 'Affinity For' Baker Mayfield

Chatter about the New England Patriots' interest in University of Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield continues to grow louder following the team's trade of wide receiver Brandin Cooks to the Los Angeles Rams to acquire an additional first-round pick in the 2018 NFL draft.

On Wednesday, Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News reported the New York Jets are among the teams with a pick within the top 10 who are "fully aware of the Patriots' affinity for Mayfield."

CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora previously noted the Pats' acquisition of the No. 23 overall pick to go along with their No. 31 selection was "all about a quarterback." He also suggested the team has an eye on moving up to take Mayfield.

Although it's possible Patriots head coach Bill Belichick uses his draft capital to trade up inside the top five, which is where he may have to be to land the Sooners standout, it feels more like a typical predraft smokescreen for a few reasons.

First, longtime Patriots starter Tom Brady continues to play at an MVP level. He completed 66.3 percent of his throws for 4,577 yards with 32 touchdowns and eight interceptions while playing all 16 regular-season games last season. His 102.8 passer rating ranked third in the NFL.

Moving up nearly 20 spots in Round 1 for a quarterback prospect who won't play right away would be a bold move.

The New England brass also has the incentive to suggest interest in one of the draft class' prized quarterback prospects. Two of their AFC East division rivals, the Jets and Buffalo Bills, have already traded up in the first round, possibly to land a new signal-caller.

New York now owns the third overall pick, while the Bills possess Nos. 12 and 22, giving them the potential resources to jump inside of the top five.

With the Patriots looming and the New York Giants possibly open for business at No. 2, according to ESPN's Todd McShay (via NESN.com), the Pats could get the Jets, Bills or both to overpay to stay ahead of them.

And if more QBs come off the board early, more top prospects at other positions could slide to New England later in the first round.