There are plenty of ways the New England Patriots could make a big splash in the 2020 NFL Draft.

They could go in early on a loaded class of wide receivers. They could finally fill their void at tight end with a top prospect. They could grab one of the talented available QBs (maybe even trading up to do so).

Those all sound very exciting possibilities that would get fans fired up. So what if Bill Belichick went ahead and didn’t do any of those things?

It’s a very real possibility for a Patriots team that’s historically taken a stubborn, methodical approach to adding talent in the draft. It’s a whole lot of first-round picks no one thought the team needed, late-round receivers and trading up for punters.

With that in mind, here’s a projection for every Patriots draft slot this year, with an eye toward making very “Belichick-ian” picks, aiming for the types of prospects the coach has pursued in the past.

Round 1, No. 23 overall - A.J. Epenesa, DE, Iowa

Epenesa was a dominant force at Iowa but didn’t test well in the pre-draft process. He looks great on film as an edge rusher. However, his 5.01 in the 40-yard dash was a little disappointing. At 275 pounds, he doesn’t quite have the bulk for that number to be waived off entirely.

Still, 40 times aren’t everything. Epenesa showed that he can be a versatile, disciplined rusher on film. He’s drawn a number of comparisons to Trey Flowers in the way he could use power and technique to succeed as a pass rusher.

Round 3, No. 87 overall - Raekwon Davis, DL, Alabama

Landing Davis would be a bit of a steal for the Patriots, considering where his draft stock was a couple of years ago.

After logging 8.5 sacks a sophomore, Davis was a hot commodity. However, he’s recorded just 2.0 sacks over the last two seasons combined. As a result, the 6-foot-6, 311-pound lineman is considered more of a multi-dimensional run stuffer than a disruptive pass rusher.

The Patriots have had success with players like Davis, long, strong versatile defenders who can play along the defensive line. With any luck, he could fill a role similar to Lawrence Guy.

Round 3, No. 98 overall - Jake Fromm, QB, Georgia

It’s Fromm’s intangible qualities that make him an attractive prospect.

The Georgia product doesn’t have a great arm, athleticism or size (6-foot-2, 219 pounds). What he does have is a reputation as a great leader while quarterbacking one of the country’s biggest programs. He did that after ripping the job away from an injured Jacob Eason (another top QB prospect) as a freshman before going on to be named a team captain.

Fromm could have some untapped potential after playing in a Georgia offense that was quite run-heavy and conservative. He could develop if given the chance to sling the ball around.

Round 3, No. 100 overall - Albert Okquebunam, TE, Missouri

This is probably the flashiest pick in this entire mock draft. Okquebunam raised eyebrows when he ran a 4.49 in the 40-yard dash at the combine. However, he wasn’t hugely productive, with that athleticism not readily apparent on film.

The kid can flat-out fly on the track. But it’s his size (6-foot-5, 258 pounds) and potential as an inline player that would make him a fascinating Patriots prospect. A converted receiver Okquebunam mostly played split out wide for Missouri. He could have untapped potential if the Patriots get creative with him on offense.

Round 4, No. 125 overall - Donovan Peoples-Jones, WR, Michigan

The former No. 1 wide receiver recruit in the country heads to the NFL as a bundle of untapped potential. A tremendous athlete who never quite lived up to expectations as a receiver.

Still, he presents a tremendous prospect for teams to play with. He could contribute early on as a Cordarrelle Patterson-type playmaker with the ball in his hands.

Round 5, No. 172 overall - Rodrigo Blankenship, K, Georgia

The Patriots need a kicker. Blankenship is the best kicker in the class. To be honest, this projection might be too late. Don’t be shocked if the Patriots trade up like they did with Jake Bailey or use their fourth-round pick on a placekicker.

Round 6, No. 195 overall - Josh Metellus, S, Michigan

Metellus was a physical, aggressive leader for the Michigan defense known for his sound play at the back end of the defense. The only problem is that he’s a bit lacking as a raw athlete.

He could catch on due to his ability to play against the run and potentially contribute on special teams. He likely needs to develop in coverage.

Round 6, No. 204 overall - Tyler Johnson, WR, Minnesota

While he’s not a remarkably explosive athlete, Johnson is a physical receiver with great ball skills. It certainly helps things that NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein put Jakobi Meyers has his NFL comparison.

Johnson never really showed top-end speed at Minnesota and didn’t participate in the combine. At this point, he’s made his NFL case with his college production, leaving at his school’s all-time leader in receiving yards and receiving touchdowns.

Round 6, No. 212 overall - Casey Toohill, LB, Stanford

Toohill fits the physical mold the Patriots like to pursue for their linebackers. At 6-foot-4, 250 pounds, he has the size. With a 4.62 in the 40 and a 7.09 in the 3 cone, he has the speed and quickness.

So why is he projected so late? Toohill was a one-year starter who’s considered to have a limited tool set. He’s best used for firing into the backfield like a missile and isn’t as good at holding up against the run.

Right now, he projects as a developmental prospect, but could flourish if given the right role.

Round 6, No. 213 overall - Cohl Cabral, OL, Arizona State

The knock on Cabral is that he needs more play strength to make it at the next level and could use some refinement on his technique.

On the other hand, he’s a two-time team captain who played multiple positions and has a reputation as a fierce competitor. The Patriots love that sort of stuff.

Round 7, No. 230 overall - Kalija Lipscomb, WR, Vanderbilt

Lipscomb was a surprise participant in Tua Tagovailoa’s pro day video this past week. As a prospect, he’s not particularly flashy. None of his physical traits will blow you away. However, he is a productive route runner and a tricky ballcarrier once he’s gets going.

Lipscomb is a bit buried in this draft class, but did lead the SEC in receptions in 2018. Consider him a high-floor, low-ceiling prospect.

Round 7, No. 241 overall - Austin Mack, WR, Ohio State

Forget buried in the draft class, Mack was buried on his own team. Playing for some loaded Buckeye teams, Mack didn’t really get a chance to shine.

The book on Mack is that he didn’t live up to his potential. At 6-foot-1, 208 pounds, he has the frame you want. (Though his 4.59 in the 40 isn’t going to blow you away). However, he didn’t really produce too much at Ohio State.

Given a fresh start, Mack could develop a role on special teams and at the end of the receiver depth chart in the NFL.