2011 NFL Draft: New England Could Trade Up to 10th Overall to Draft Robert Quinn

When have Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots had a top-10 draft pick? It doesn't happen very often, and in 2008 it did—and it worked out extremely well.

In 2008, with the 10th overall pick, Belichick and company selected Tennessee linebacker Jerod Mayo. Over his three-year career, Mayo has become a league's best. 

Now imagine this: The Patriots will have the opportunity to trade up in the 2011 NFL draft. But, who could be a possible trade partner?

The Patriots currently sit with the 17th overall pick, 28th overall pick, 33rd overall pick and several more mid-round draft picks. 

One team who sits in the top 10 does not have too many mid-round draft picks, but they sit at 10th overall—the Washington Redskins. 

The Redskins currently don't have a third- or a fourth-round draft pick, and the Patriots have plenty of picks to offer. 

Imagine this: If the University of North Carolina's Robert Quinn is sitting there at 10th overall, Belichick should be proactive and make a move. Quinn is a stud and could be a playmaker in New England's 3-4 defense. 

New England would likely have to trade their 17th overall pick and one or two mid-round picks—I think it's safe to say Quinn would be most definitely worth it. 

Quinn would be an outside linebacker in New England's 3-4 defensive system and would definitely excel and become a Pro Bowl-caliber player. 

The former Tar Heel sat out all of the 2010 season due to a suspension handed down from the NCAA, so his stock has fallen a tad.

When you take a look at the two teams who were in the Super Bowl last season, the Green Bay Packers and the Pittsburgh Steelers, they both had phenomenal talents at the outside linebacker position—and look what a difference it made for them. 

Quinn could be an impact player in 2011 and for many years to come. 

At the 2011 NFL combine, Quinn posted a decent 4.68 40-yard dash time and showed impressive strength with 22 bench reps.

If New England really wants Quinn, they have to move into the top 10.

Yes, it is possible that he slips past Tennessee at eighth overall, but it would be highly unlikely.

New England would likely have to package at least one of their top three picks in the draft along with multiple other picks to acquire Quinn.

But it'd be much easier to just move up to 10th overall, as Washington doesn't have any mid-round picks—and Quinn might not be available, but there would be a lot of talent still available.

A major draft-day trade to move up in the first round would be unprecedented for Belichick. But if it's to add a player like Quinn, who'd be a defensive playmaker, it'd certainly be worth it.

NOTE: This article was first seen at PatriotsPlus.net. Be sure to follow Tony Santorsa on Twitter @  TonySantorsa.