The worst-kept secret in the NFL right now is that the Patriots are likely to acquire Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown after June 1. But is this truly the best move for New England?
Patriots reporter Greg Bedard believes that New England should select Washington wide receiver Denzel Boston with the 31st pick in the draft rather than opting to trade for Brown.
“If I were the Patriots, and if I was in charge of the Patriots, I would much rather draft Denzel Boston at 31 than to go and get AJ Brown,” Bedard said on Thursday, via Patriots on CLNS. “If Denzel Boston’s on the board at 31, then take him and forget about AJ Brown. That’s what I’m hoping that they do.”
It might make more sense for the Patriots to select a player like Boston in the draft since New England could have him on its roster for a solid 10 years. However, there’s also the risk that Boston could end up being a bust. Even though Brown will turn 29 and is moving out of his prime, he’s still a solid receiver, and the Patriots need playmakers who can contribute right away to help them win now.
The Patriots will need to weigh their options and decide whether it’s better to use a first-round pick on a young receiver or to invest that pick in another position, and then trade a 2027 first-round pick to the Eagles after June 1.
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