If Patriots Are Trading 1st-Rnd Picks, Get Someone Better Than A.J. Brown

TL;DR

The New England Patriots may trade their first-round pick next year to acquire a wide receiver. Analysts suggest they should aim for a player better than A.J. Brown.

Key points

Patriots may trade first-round pick next year
Focus on acquiring a wide receiver
Analysts suggest targeting players better than A.J. Brown

New England PatriotsPhiladelphia EaglesA.J. Brown

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown

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It felt very telling when the New England Patriots used this year's first-round pick on a right tackle, a position that they do not need until next year, that they might be planning on using their first-round pick next year to acquire a wide receiver.

Adam Schefter recently confirmed that notion, leading Marc Bertrand of 98.5's "Zolak & Bertrand" to ask, if we are already giving up a first-round pick, why not find out who else is available?

"Well, if you're going to start throwing around a first-round pick, don't you want to start thinking about shooting higher?" Bertrand asked. "Don't you want to start calling around the league saying, 'Hey, our first round picks are on the table, are any of the very best receivers in the sport available?'"

Brown is an excellent option for what the Patriots' current lineup lacks, but I actually think Bertrand makes a great point here.

Bertrand floated the idea of calling about Justin Jefferson. I would add Nico Collins to that list. Collins is younger than Brown and dwarfed his receiving yardage last season. He is also a much cheaper option.

Collins is coming off his third straight 1,000-yard season, while Brown just watched his receiving yardage total fall for the third straight season.

Again, I'm fully on board with the Brown trade. However, if we are shipping off a first-round pick, I do believe we could swing bigger.

Q&A

Why are the Patriots considering trading their first-round pick?

The Patriots are likely planning to use their first-round pick next year to acquire a wide receiver, as indicated by their recent draft choices.

Who are potential wide receiver targets for the Patriots?

Analysts suggest the Patriots should seek wide receivers who are better than A.J. Brown, although specific names have not been mentioned.

What does Adam Schefter say about the Patriots' draft strategy?

Adam Schefter confirmed that the Patriots might be looking to trade their first-round pick, aligning with discussions about acquiring a wide receiver.