The New England Patriots are reportedly entertaining the thought of trading up for former Iowa tight end Noah Fant in the 2019 NFL Draft.

While the Patriots currently hold the No. 32 pick in the first round, but it would be highly unlikely that they would be able to land Fant in that spot.

That's why they may be making a move to have a better chance of drafting him.

From NESN's Zack Cox:

Tony Pauline of Draft Analyst reported before the start of Round 1 that the Patriots will “seriously consider” trading up for uber-athletic Iowa product Noah Fant.

“That’s how much they like him,” Pauline said on “The Draft Analysts” podcast, adding there’s no chance “whatsoever” Fant will be available when the Patriots go on the clock at No. 32.

There are plenty of possible options the Patriots could look at in the first round, but the retirement of Rob Gronkowski will certainly play a role in how they address the tight end position.

Fant is undoubtedly one of the best prospects at the position, and he would be able to step in and make an impact right away if New England does pursue him.

As always, other trades earlier in the draft could determine whether the Patriots can put themselves in a spot where they can pick Fant.