The New England Patriots did not make any trades on the first day of the 2018 NFL draft – but this inactivity might end today. Not only are the Patriots expected to move around the draft board to potentially fill the gap between picks 95 and 198, they also might make outside acquisitions. One of the players possibly on the team's radar when it comes to bringing talent on board is San Francisco 49ers offensive tackle Trent Brown.
According to a report by Pro Football Talk, the two teams are already engaged in trade talks for the 25-year old. Brown would be an interesting acquisition for the Patriots considering that a) New England invested a first-round pick in offensive tackle/guard-hybrid Isaiah Wynn yesterday, and b) he comes with plenty of experience after having served as the 49ers' starting right tackle over the last two years.
The reported interest in the 6'8, 355 lbs behemoth, who became the odd man out after San Francisco drafted Mike McGlinchey yesterday, is further proof that the Patriots are actively trying to upgrade and solidify their offensive line: The team already lost starting left tackle Nate Solder via free agency earlier this offseason and will have starting right guard Shaq Mason hit the open market one year from now.
New England's recent moves are likely in response to Solder leaving but could also mean that the team is expecting Mason to leave next year if not sooner. No matter what happens over the next few hours, it will be interesting to see how the team's blockers up front develop over the remainder of the offseason and into training camp.