New England could stand pat at receiver, but these pass catchers could help fill a void after Brandin Cooks was sent to the Rams.
The offseason reshaping of the New England Patriots offense continued Tuesday with another one of last season’s key figures departing.
Wide receiver Brandin Cooks was traded to the Los Angeles Rams, a person with knowledge of the deal told USA TODAY Sports’ Mike Jones. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the trade had not yet been announced.
Cooks becomes the latest contributor from last year’s New England offense headed for new surroundings. Left tackle Nate Solder, running back Dion Lewis and wide receiver Danny Amendola previously departed in free agency. And though slot receiver Julian Edelman is set to return after missing last season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament, the trio of Cooks, Amendola and Lewis accounted for 158 total receptions in 2017.
Though the trade might appear to make wide receiver a need, the Patriots could get by with Edelman, Chris Hogan and Malcolm Mitchell, among others. But after picking up first- and sixth-round picks in the deal (while sending a fourth rounder back), the team could be seeking one additional target for Tom Brady.
Here are some of the top draft options they could look into as replacements:
– DJ Moore, Maryland: In a muddled receiver class, Moore offers perhaps the best combination of quickness and deep speed that any replacement for Cooks would need. He would be an immediate threat on screens and quick outs, and his separation skills should only improve as he learns to put his agility to use. While the price tag for him could be one of the two first rounders, he might be worth it.
– Calvin Ridley, Alabama: Could New England replace Cooks with the most touted receiver in the draft? The pairing might be difficult to pull off given that Ridley might not be on the board when the Patriots come up at No. 23. New England, however, would be hard pressed to find a better combination of route running and deep speed in this draft class.
– James Washington, Oklahoma State: From a production standpoint, no one can match him as a vertical threat after he posted 39 touchdown catches in his career. His compact build (5-11,213 pounds) and pedestrian timed speed (4.54-second 40-yard dash) belie his downfield ability, but he could be an asset if he can refine his route running and establish himself as more of a short-area threat.
– Deon Cain, Clemson: The Tigers have put together quite the pipeline of pass catchers, and Cain has the physical tools to be the next standout. His proclivity for drops might land him in Bill Belichick’s dog house, but he is dynamic both as a downfield target and working after the catch.
– D. J. Chark, LSU: He had just 66 catches in three years, but his average of 21.9 yards per reception last season speaks to his downfield ability. Finding a consistent role for him could prove elusive given the potential overlap with Hogan.
– Courtland Sutton, SMU: At 6-3 and 218 pounds, the former basketball player could bring a physical presence to the receiving corps. But Josh McDaniels’ system thrives on receivers creating separation, and Sutton’s game centers more on winning contested catches.
– Christian Kirk, Texas A&M: He was already on the Patriots’ radar, personally confirming at his pro day that he was set for a private workout with New England. At 5-10,200 pounds, however, Kirk has a skill set and frame that best suits him for the slot, where the Patriots are likely fine (though he would bring value as a returner, which New England might need with Amendola gone).
Follow Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz on Twitter @MikeMSchwartz .
