In a most surprising turn of events, we've learned from several unspecified sources that the New England Patriots brain trust (Bill Belichick, Scott Pioli, Bob Kraft et. al.) will go against their contemporary drafting strategy and trade up to get Atlanta's third overall pick.  Taking a page out of the playbook of Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, the Pats will apparently send their 2008 first round pick (seventh overall) AND Laurence Maroney (21st overall pick in the 2006 draft) to Atlanta in the hopes of securing Arkansas RB and this year's Adrian Peterson (or so potential suitors hope), Darren McFadden.  The Pats have reportedly become enamored with D-Mac's star potential after meeting with the stud RB in recent weeks and look to cash in on his foreseeable explosion onto the NFL scene.  The move allows the Falcons to address their defensive woes with the #7 pick and also solidifies their backfield with a RB tandem of Maroney and Jerious Norwood after releasing Warrick Dunn a few weeks ago.  With Miami expected to end up with either QB Matt Ryan or DE Chris Long and St. Louis expected to address their impotent defense by taking DT Glenn Dorsey or Long, if he falls to them (and both teams being set in their backfields with Ronnie Brown and Steven Jackson, respectively), the Pats have all but assured themselves that they'll be ending up with Darren McFadden.

(AP Photo)

And if you're taking any of this too seriously...

...Check your calendar to see what day it is.

Happy April Fools' Day, sports fans!