New England Patriots: Under The Radar Trade Targets: Volume 1
The New England Patriots missed out on the wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins sweepstakes, but according to ESPN's Ian Rapoport, he doesn't believe the team is done making additions, whether that involves signing a marquee free agent like Dalvin Cook or acquiring a player via trade. The Patriots need depth at running back and substantial upgrades […]
The New England Patriots missed out on the wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins sweepstakes, but according to ESPN's Ian Rapoport, he doesn't believe the team is done making additions, whether that involves signing a marquee free agent like Dalvin Cook or acquiring a player via trade. The Patriots need depth at running back and substantial upgrades at offensive tackle and wide receiver. Below is a list of under-the-radar trade targets that, in my opinion, the Patriots could pursue.
Cordarelle Patterson, RB/WR, Atlanta Falcons
A reunion! The former first-round pick joined the Patriots in 2018 after struggling to find success as a full-time wide receiver. Under the guidance of Belichick and McDaniels, they aided in Patterson's career resurgence by showcasing his versatility. Despite being on the older side at 32 years old, Patterson's skill set seems to be aging well. In 2022, when he was healthy, Patterson remained highly efficient, averaging 4.8 yards per carry and even achieving two games with 120+ rushing yards. His explosiveness was still evident, and he had his best rushing season to date.
During the 2021 season, Patterson showcased his versatility with an impressive 1,100 + scrimmage yards, accumulating 618 rushing yards and scoring six rushing touchdowns. Additionally, he showcased his receiving abilities with 548 receiving yards and five receiving touchdowns.
The team does have a similar hybrid-type player in Ty Montgomery, but he is also on the older side and doesn't have the same high-end upside. In my opinion, New England could use an upgrade, and Patterson is a more explosive option who can be effective in various roles, including the red zone, between the tackles as a runner, gadget player, and as a versatile receiver who can be moved all around the formation. Additionally, Patterson is widely regarded as the best kick-returner of all time and has continued to be successful in that role in 2022, despite receiving fewer opportunities to return kicks.
Considering that the Falcons have just invested a top-ten pick in another highly versatile and generational running back prospect, Bijan Robinson, Patterson's acquisition probably wouldn't be too expensive.
Predicted Cost: 6th-7th round pick
James Hurst, OT, New Orleans Saints.
Looking at the Patriots roster as a whole, it's evident that they desperately need help at offensive tackle. Trent Brown's performance is uncertain on a season-to-season basis, and he is also aging. Unfortunately, the team didn't address the offensive tackle position in the draft, instead opting to sign a couple of cheaper veterans and allowing them to compete for the right tackle spot.
While it's too early to determine if this approach will succeed, their primary goal should be to protect their third-year quarterback, who hasn't been provided much support. Hurst would be a good acquisition for the Patriots at this stage, as he has consistently been a solid pass-blocking offensive tackle in the NFL. In 2022, among the 44 players with a minimum of 900 total snaps, he finished as the 13th-highest-graded pass-blocking offensive tackle, per PFF. Throughout his career, his pass-blocking grades have remained steady, and at times, have even shown improvement.
Hurst may not be a premier offensive tackle against the best pass-rushers in the game, but he would be a significant upgrade for this team. In my opinion, I find that PFF is not the best at offensive line evaluation. Admittedly, I do think PFF rates Hurst's performance higher than what I saw on film. However, that doesn't change my belief that he would be a worthy trade target for a team in dire need of talent and depth at offensive tackle.
Hurst is a below-average to poor run-blocker, he finished as PFFs 41st ranked offensive tackle in run-blocking out of 44 players with a minimum of 900 total snaps. Again, I slightly disagree with PFF's grade. In the film I watched, Hurst wasn't spectacular as a run-blocker, but was not a glaring liability either. I believe the New Orleans Saints would consider trading him because they invested a first-round pick in offensive tackle Trevor Penning and he is the natural successor. The Saints are also in a poor cap situation and could free $5.5m by trading him. Hurst has played all over the offensive line in his career and brings the versatility and long-time experience to immediately improve the team. In terms of realistic trade targets at this stage in the off-season, Hurst would be at the top of my list.
Projected Cost: 4th-5th round pick
Featured image via Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
