Will Trader Bill strike again?

That's where this week's Patriots mailbag begins, as we inch closer to the NFL draft and consider the possibility of the team actually sticking with the No. 29 overall pick. If history is any indication, the Patriots are more likely to trade than stay in their assigned slot.

The perception of the club has been that it is more likely to trade down, but as 2012 reminded us, they also move up when the opportunity presents itself. That was the year the team traded up twice in the first round -- for defensive end Chandler Jones and linebacker Dont'a Hightower.

So what dynamics are in play this year for the team?

Q. Mike, I think you need to start preparing your readers for the Patriots to trade down. The most likely trade partner, I believe, is San Francisco. They could put together a package similar to Green Bay's for Clay Matthews or Minnesota for Cordarelle Patterson while still keeping a pick in each round. I think the Patriots focus on TE/LB and RB/KR. -- Anonymous

A. Bill Belichick loves to wheel and deal on draft day, so I don't think anyone would be surprised at a trade. Two thoughts to ponder when it comes to draft strategy: 1) If all the top quarterbacks are picked before No. 29, and there is the run on wide receivers that many predict because of a deep class, it could push better players down the board at areas the Patriots would target, potentially making it more enticing to keep the pick (similar to 2004 with Vince Wilfork at No. 21 overall); 2) Because it's considered a deep draft, and more teams are perceived to be willing to trade down, does that make it tougher to strike a deal? Overall, I'd project higher odds at a trade down than up. It's more of a rarity that the Patriots pick in their assigned slot in the first round, with the last time coming in 2011 with left tackle Nate Solder (No. 17).

Q. Now that the Pats seem to have addressed the secondary, in your opinion what position do they need to beef up next? -- Glenn J. (Boston)

A. Glenn, the cornerback position looks particularly deep while no one would be surprised if they possibly add another safety. Overall, I have defensive end, defensive tackle, tight end and linebacker atop the list. When looking at team needs, sometimes it's smart to think two years ahead, with 2015 in mind. Here's a complete snapshot of team needs from this view.

Q. Hi Mike, do you think the NFL made a mistake in moving it into May? Also, what do you think of Roger Goodell's desire to move it out of New York at least some of the time? -- David (North Attleborough, Mass.)

A. David, last year's draft was held April 25-27. This year it's May 8-10. So we're looking at essentially a two-week delay. I'd personally prefer it earlier, but I don't think it's a big deal. It just makes it a little tougher on the rookies to catch up and make an impact in their first year because it condenses the offseason camps. As for moving the draft out of New York, I don't have a strong opinion on that one. I've covered it every year from Patriots team headquarters, so the actual location of the draft isn't a huge consideration.

Q. A darkhorse pick would be C/G Marcus Martin of Southern Cal. It is a real need of the Pats and I think with Nate Solder about to make a good amount of dough by the end of his rookie deal following the 2015 season (assuming the fifth-year option is picked up), it is time for the Pats to invest in some cheap interior line labor. Maybe even target G/T Brandon Thomas of Clemson (torn ACL) as a great value third-day pick (he was a late first/early second before the injury). Think of investing in the interior. -- Eric (Braintree, Mass.)

A. Eric, I don't think many would argue with you on that possibility, assuming the Patriots view Martin in the same light as analysts who rank him as the top available center. In 2006, the New York Jets picked center Nick Mangold 29th overall and that's a pick that is still paying dividends to them today. If the Patriots thought Martin, who at 6-foot-3 3/8 and 320 pounds would add size and physicality at center, would have a Mangold-type impact, it would be a solid way to go. As for Thomas, it reminds me a bit of when the Patriots selected Marcus Cannon in the fifth round of the 2011 draft. At what point does it become so good of a value that you have to pounce? Maybe that's where the fourth-round compensatory pick comes in handy.

Q. Hi Mike. I agree with your analysis as to how the CB situation will be approached given the four-game suspension of Brandon Browner to open the season. However, I expect Logan Ryan will also be groomed/tested to play safety during minicamp/training camp and in the preseason. Given what he demonstrated in 2013, it makes him too valuable to be left sitting on the bench. Having Ryan and Duron Harmon sharing the safety position would seem ideal for both of them and the Patriots alongside Devin McCourty. Your thoughts? -- Jake M. (Vancouver, BC)

A. Jake, I like Ryan better at corner, but similar to when Marquice Cole worked at safety last spring in offseason camps, it wouldn't be surprising if Ryan sees some time there as part of building his versatility. One thing I'd say is for those hoping that the Patriots get bigger at safety, as Rodney Harrison suggested, a McCourty/Ryan combination would be among the smallest in the NFL.

Q. With the recent acquisitions of Darrelle Revis, Brandon Browner, and Patrick Chung in the secondary, the Patriots seem to have the talent and open up the defensive playbook. Revis and Browner are exceptional at playing at the line of scrimmage and jamming their receivers. However, I'm not convinced that it'll result in sending extra pass rushers. Bill Belichick has never been one to have his defense pin their ears back and go after the quarterback. I don't think having Revis and Browner will change his philosophy. This isn't to say that these acquisitions won't result in more sacks, but rather their skills will allow the front four to be more consistent in pressuring the quarterback. Do you expect the Patriots to start blitzing more in 2014 or will it be more of the norm with better results? -- Alvin (Amherst, Mass.)

A. Alvin, the percentages of blitzes will obviously vary on a weekly basis, but I don't expect the Patriots to suddenly become a blitz-first defense. When we think back to the Super Bowl and how the Seahawks beat the Broncos, it wasn't a blitz-heavy plan. They were able to play tight coverage and marry that with a standard four-man rush and it worked. That's ideal.

Q. Mike, there's been a lot of talk about the Patriots shifting their draft philosophy to adapt to new schemes or the "passing" league. Have you noticed evidence of that in the past drafts and if so, what are some of the "giveaways" that it's occurring? One friend of mine doesn't believe the narrative. -- grandjordanian (San Diego)