Five Positions The Patriots Could Target Before NFL Trade Deadline

The NFL trade deadline is Tuesday at 4 p.m., and the New England Patriots already are ahead of the curve.

The Patriots have made five trades since training camp wrapped up in August. They acquired linebacker Barkevious Mingo from the Cleveland Browns, cornerback Eric Rowe from the Philadelphia Eagles and edge defender Kyle Van Noy from the Detroit Lions, and they sent tight end AJ Derby to the Denver Broncos and linebacker Jamie Collins to the Browns.

In making those trades, New England filled three voids and potentially opened up two more. Here are some positions the Patriots could address before the Nov. 1 trade deadline:

TIGHT END
The Pats just two tight ends on their roster as they head into the second half of their season. It wouldn’t be unheard of for New England to keep just two players at the position — it did so for much of the 2011 season — but if the right player is out there for the right price, the team could make a move.

Since the Patriots traded away a receiving threat in Derby and already have Rob Gronkowski and Martellus Bennett, a blocker would make more sense to acquire.

New England at the very least should sign a tight end to its practice squad.

OFFENSIVE TACKLE
Nate Solder and Marcus Cannon have been solid at left and right tackle, respectively, but when names like Joe Thomas and Joe Staley are being thrown around as potential trade targets, it’s worth mentioning the position. Both Thomas and Staley would be upgrades for the Patriots, who would really solidify their depth and future with a trade. It’s not a necessity, however, so if the asking price is too high, they should pass.

DEFENSIVE TACKLE
New England failed to replace Akiem Hicks and Dominique Easley as interior pass rushers this offseason. The team has attempted to use Jabaal Sheard and Trey Flowers in that role, but they’ve been swallowed up more often than not.

Bringing in a strong interior rushing threat certainly would help improve the Patriots’ pressure, which has been lacking through eight games.

LINEBACKER
The Patriots have Dont’a Hightower, Elandon Roberts, Barkevious Mingo, Kyle Van Noy, Brandon King, Shea McClellin and Rob Ninkovich, but after trading Collins, it wouldn’t hurt to bring in another linebacker.

Mingo can help in the passing game, but it’s unclear who will be the third linebacker in New England’s base defense next to Hightower and Roberts. It could be McClellin or Ninkovich if the Patriots view Van Noy as more of a pass rusher.

CORNERBACK
The Pats have enough talent at cornerback to get by the rest of the season, but fans seem to believe they need help at this position.

If New England acquires a cornerback, however, who’s on the way out? Malcolm Butler and Logan Ryan project as the starters moving forward while Rowe, Justin Coleman and Cyrus Jones will compete for No. 3 snaps. Jonathan Jones is a core special-teamer.

If head coach Bill Belichick makes a move for a cornerback, it’s sign of a lack of confidence in Rowe and Ryan.

Thumbnail photo via Kevin Hoffman/USA TODAY Sports Images