The New England Patriots reportedly are trading wide receiver Brandin Cooks to the Los Angeles Rams, immediately sparking debate as to whether Bill Belichick has something else up his sleeve.
… like, say, a trade for Odell Beckham Jr.?
OK, it seems very unlikely. But Beckham’s name has been tossed around in trade rumors — the Rams were among the teams linked to the New York Giants wide receiver — and the Patriots now have even more assets with which to deal this offseason after reportedly trading Cooks and a fourth-round draft pick for a first-rounder (23rd overall) and a sixth-rounder in the 2018 NFL Draft.
Patriots updated 2018 draft picks:
1st round (23)
1st round (31)
2nd round (43)
2nd round (63)
3rd round (95)
6th round (???)
6th round (210)
7th round (219)— Mark Daniels (@ByMarkDaniels) April 3, 2018
Obviously this doesn’t mean the Patriots will go after Beckham, a polarizing star who’s slated to become a free agent after next season. But FOX Sports 1’s Nick Wright couldn’t help but imagine a scenario Tuesday night in which the Patriots land OBJ while the Giants completely revamp their roster.
Think NYG would trade OBJ to them for 23 & 31?
Seeing OBJ, along with Gronk, paired with Brady could cause some '07 Pats flashbacks. https://t.co/LFf2NYoUZn
— nick wright (@getnickwright) April 3, 2018
I know, the Pats aren't trading for OBJ.
But, damnit, that'd be so much fun to see. And Brady's short passing game would be unstoppable.
— nick wright (@getnickwright) April 3, 2018
Now imagining a scenario where NYG trade #2 to BUF for 12 & 22 & trade OBJ to NE for 23 & 31 & just remake their entire team in 1 offseason.
— nick wright (@getnickwright) April 3, 2018
Whoa.
The Giants would have four first-round picks (Nos. 12, 22, 23 and 31) if they made those two moves, while the Patriots would add Beckham — one of the NFL’s most dynamic players — to an already explosive offense. The Bills, meanwhile, would land the No. 2 overall pick to draft the franchise quarterback they desperately need.
Sounds good, right?
Well, Jason La Canfora already threw cold water on the idea, and the more likely scenario is the Patriots will use their assets in some way, shape or form to draft Tom Brady’s successor.
I'm told the Pats trading of Cooks is not a precursor to an attempt to land Beckham. New England won't be in that market
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) April 3, 2018
Would expect the Pats use their late first-round picks on a WR and perhaps QB of the future at this point. Young, cheap assets
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) April 3, 2018
New England is now armed with double 1’s, double 2’s, and in prime position to move up in draft and select a QB if it so chooses.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 3, 2018
