We've heard the chatter about the New England Patriots potentially trading up in the 2021 NFL Draft to land a top quarterback.
But is that really the best use of New England's resources?
New England would have to give up significant draft capital to move from No. 15 into the top 10 of Thursday's first round to have a shot at a QB like Mac Jones, Justin Fields or Trey Lance. Considering the Patriots only have two other picks in the top 100 (No. 46 and No. 96 overall) and plenty of needs to fill, they may not want to part with more draft assets, even for their potential QB of the future.
Stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Boston sports teams! Sign up here for our All Access Daily newsletter.
Former Patriots safety and NBC Sports analyst Rodney Harrison agrees with this line of thinking and doesn't think the Jones, Fields or Lance -- all of whom could go after Trevor Lawrence and Zach Wilson somewhere in the top 10 -- are worth the cost.
Patriots Talk Podcast: Thomas Dimitroff goes deep on the ’21 draft class and Patriots' approach | Listen & Subscribe | Watch on YouTube
"I just don't think you move up and you sell your soul to get those guys," Harrison told our Tom E. Curran on NBC Sports Boston's Early Edition. "Yeah, they're great college football players and quarterbacks, but it takes time to develop into that quality quarterback at the pro level, and you just don't know.
New England Patriots
Find the latest New England Patriots news, highlights, analysis and more with NBC Sports Boston.
" ... I wouldn't sell my soul if I was the Patriots to get quarterback in the first round."
Another reason why Harrison wouldn't sell out for a QB? He believes a better option is about to become available in San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo.
The 49ers are expected to take either Lance or Jones at No. 3 overall, which means they could entertain trade offers for Garoppolo, who has missed 23 games for the 49ers over the last three seasons.
Harrison believes the Patriots should pounce at the opportunity to reunite with Jimmy G, whom he views as the best veteran trade option for New England.
Perry's latest NFL Mock Draft: Pats trade up for Saban favorite
"Absolutely, he's the No. 1 guy," Harrison said, "because he has familiarity with Coach Belichick and Josh McDaniels. He's proven he can come in and play.
"I think there's a certain comfort level, and you get that type of coaching as well as the defense and just the overall scheme, I think it's a win-win for everyone."
Harrison also gave his thoughts on Cam Newton's ceiling and the DeVonta Smith conundrum in the full interview, which you can watch on YouTube or below.