The New England Patriots are going into the 2015 NFL draft with needs at cornerback and linebacker, and the Philadelphia Eagles reportedly have two talented veterans up for grabs.
Linebacker Mychal Kendricks and cornerback Brandon Boykin “could be had for the right price” some teams believe, NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport reported Wednesday.
Kendricks was the 46th overall pick in the 2012 draft and has started 40 games in his three-year career. He recorded 83 tackles, four sacks, three passes defended and three forced fumbles in 2014. The 6-feet, 240-pound linebacker is entering the final year of his rookie contract.
Boykin, a 5-foot-10, 185-pound slot cornerback, also was drafted in 2012, a year before Eagles head coach Chip Kelly took over. The fourth-round draft pick has seven interceptions in 48 career games and six starts. Boykin also has returned 54 kicks for 1,242 yards in his career. The undersized defensive back also is on the last year of his rookie deal.
Patriots head coach Bill Belichick is friendly with Kelly. Belichick previously has been open to draft-day trades for veteran players.
The Eagles also reportedly were shopping guard Evan Mathis earlier in the offseason. Interior offensive line is another major need for the Patriots.
Thumbnail photo via Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports Images
