New England Patriots bolster offensive line by acquiring Trent Brown

CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 04: Akiem Hicks
CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 04: Akiem Hicks /
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The New England Patriots have reportedly traded for offensive tackle Trent Brown of the San Francisco 49ers.

After a strong first day in the NFL Draft, the New England Patriots were active on Friday morning, as they have reportedly made a deal with the San Francisco 49ers. Coming into the NFL Draft, one of the needs for the Patriots was to bolster their offensive line.

With the 23rd overall pick, the Patriots selected offensive lineman Isaiah Wynn from Georgia. Wynn was announced as a tackle, and the thought is that he will be competing for the starting left tackle spot. At Georgia, Wynn played both tackle and guard, as he will provide the Patriots with some versatility on their offensive line.

After the addition of Wynn, the Patriots have now reportedly acquired Trent Brown from the San Francisco 49ers.

Due to some weight issues, the 49ers have soured on Brown a bit, but he was very good for them last season. However, that didn’t stop them from drafting his replacement in Mike McGlinchey last night.

Last season, Brown received a 79.3 grade from Pro Football Focus, which ranked him at 21st overall. Brown was very close to players like Andrew Whitworth, Tyron Smith, and former Patriot, Cameron Fleming.

As a blocker, Brown really thrives in pass protection, as he was in the Top 10 in PFFs grades for pass blocking among tackles. The addition of Brown gives the Patriots even more depth on their offensive line but could mean we might see the line shaken up a bit. As a right tackle, the Patriots already have Marcus Cannon at the position. Adding Brown could be to possibly give him a chance at left tackle, or possibly even to move Cannon to the left side.

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For the Patriots, the depth on their offensive line will give them a chance to move some people around and try different combinations to find out what works. However, adding Brown and another pick for a third-round pick was a good deal.