
The New England Patriots trading Brandin Cooks and loading up on a high draft pick has led to plenty of speculation about what is next to come. Will the Pats package some of their top picks for something else?
Almost immediately after news was reported that New England had traded Cooks and a fourth-round pick to the Rams for a first and sixth-round pick, people started speculating that the Pats could make a run for Odell Beckham Jr. After all, they now have two late first-round picks (Nos. 23 and 31) that reportedly are required for Beckham.
However, CBS Sports’ Jason La Canfora says the Patriots are not making a run at Beckham.
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
Although a trade for Beckham seems like a possibility, it does not seem very likely. With the exception of Randy Moss, New England does not tend to have megastars at wide receiver. They would also be giving up a lot of assets for a player who will become a free agent after the season and is looking for a big pay day.
If any trade scenario is likely for New England, it could be trading up in the draft to land a quarterback who could be next in line after Tom Brady, just like they had with Jimmy Garoppolo.