NFL Draft 2011: New England Patriots Could Trade Up for Robert Quinn

The New England Patriots are about as unpredictable as they come on draft day, and the 2011 NFL draft should be no different.

Bill Belichick has nine picks, including six picks in the first three rounds alone. That is more than enough ammunition to control the draft. With that in mind, according to Greg Bedard of the Boston Globe, the Patriots are reportedly in trade talks with the Cleveland Browns, potentially in regard to the sixth overall pick in the draft. That sixth pick would potentially be to target Robert Quinn, defensive end conversion prospect from North Carolina.

Potentially, of course, doesn't mean definitely in the NFL draft. Especially not in regard to Belichick. This would, however, be a dream move for most Patriots fans. For the past two years, the pass rush has been dreadful. They have logged 67 sacks since 2009, with the league average slightly better than 69. They gave up a woeful 47 percent conversion rate on third downs, worst in the league last year.

Quinn would help address that, bringing his 35 tackles, 19 tackles for loss and 11 sacks to the Patriots' defense. He would have to project as an outside linebacker in the base 3-4, but the Patriots were only in that package 40 percent of defensive snaps last year. They were in the sub package, a four-man front, 57 percent of the time.

In that regard, Quinn could contribute immediately. In the past, Belichick has ignored prospects that don't fit his system to a T. With the aforementioned package percentages and the uncertain labor situation being what it is, this could be the year Belichick strays from his typical trend of trading down and acquiring picks for next year.

Of course, with so many picks to be used or traded, that could very well still happen. One thing is for sure: Belichick is a mastermind of the draft. With his history, it's hard to question anything he does or doesn't do.