Brandon Lloyd had a breakout season under Josh McDaniels in 2010, posting career highs across the board with 77 receptions, 1,448 yards and 11 touchdowns. He has taken a huge dip this year, though, with just 19 receptions and 283 yards through four games. He has also yet to reach the end zone.
The Patriots have been one of the best offenses in the league thus far, ranking second in scoring offense (165 points) and first in total offense (2,517 yards). Tom Brady has an arsenal of weapons that includes the league-leading receiver Wes Welker, Deion Branch and tight ends Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski to name just a few.
The Patriots clearly aren’t desperate for a receiver, as they’ve gotten by fine even without big time production from Chad Ochocinco. Still, at the low price of a third- to fifth-round pick, a player with the potential of Lloyd deserves a long look as one of Bill Belichick‘s ever-prized value acquisitions.
Speaking of value, one reason to pursue Lloyd might be the slow growth of Ochocinco who was acquired for a fifth-round pick this offseason. There’s time yet to get him involved in the system, and though his production on paper has been subpar (nine receptions, 136 yards), he’s getting looks in key situations inside of two minutes and when a first down is absolutely necessary.
The reason trades are so rare near the deadline is because it takes players a few weeks to learn a system, and before they know it, the season’s almost over. If the Patriots are intrigued by Lloyd’s skills, though, it would be worthwhile to at least look into the possibility of a trade.
