How the Brandin Cooks Trade Affects the 2017 NFL Draft

Author : Andrew Kim

1 / 8 A Blockbuster trade went down on Day 2 of the 2017 NFL Free Agency Period which includes the trading for Brandin Cooks, former New Orleans Saint.

"The Patriots trade their 1st round pick (#32) & 3rd round pick (#103) to the Saints for wide receiver Brandin Cooks & their 4th round pick (#118) per sources" via ESPN reporter Dianna Russini.

Also, another trade that could go down with both teams in the coming days during NFL Free Agency is the trade for cornerback Malcolm Butler, a 1st round tendered player. A high pick or additional picks will most likely be needed for the Saints to pull off the trade for Butler.

Via ESPN NFL Insider Adam Shefter, "Saints and Patriots still could consider a trade later on for CB Malcolm Butler, whose name arose in talks for WR Brandin Cooks, per source."

2 / 8 The New England Patriots are well-known for trading. But this offseason they have been very active in free agency and the trade market. The Patriots trading for Cooks and giving up a 1st round pick shows they are all in for 2017. Their offense just got better with a consistent target. Cooks has home-run threat ability as a burner in his game. Cooks can be the speed option to Edelman and Mitchell in the slot and can complement bigger receivers like Hogan. Surpassing over 1,000 yards in 2015 and 2016, Cooks was a productive receiver in the Saints offense. Cooks can be the same or even better with Tom Brady and the Patriots offense. Here are the following scenarios I could see on the Draft Day for the Saints.

[AndrewK]

Scenario 1- Staying Put

3 / 8 With the 11th and 32nd pick of the 1st round due to the Brandin Cooks trade, according to National Insider for NFL.Com/ Network Ian Rapoport, "The Saints can rebuild with a couple of Patriots picks, expect them to use them on defense. That’s the focus going forward."

In this scenario, I can see the Saints pick a to play next to at pick 11 like a Taco Charlton out of Michigan.

4 / 8 The 6'6" 277-pound defensive end out of Michigan, Taco Charlton is a prototypical 4-3 defensive end. Charlton can fit well on that defensive line. While he did have most of his production in college in 2016, he showed flashes of potential. He did not have a lot of starting time in Michigan before 2016.

After the Saints take a defensive end like Taco Charlton at the 11th pick in Round 1, I see them addressing cornerback by getting a Louisiana product like Tre'Davious White out of LSU.

5 / 8 The 5'11" 192-pound cornerback out of LSU, Tre'Davious White has nice upside as a cover corner. He could start next to Breaux or could take over slot duties. While his frame and inconsistent play are concerns, White flashes starting corner potential. Tre'Davious White would be a great pick in the back end of Round 1.

[Sean2]

Scenario 2- Trade Up

If the Saints want a top prospect in the 2017 NFL Draft, they have the ammunition to move up into the Top 10 picks and take a stud defensive player. If the Saints package their 11th and 32nd pick of the 1st round to trade up into the top 10, I can name 2 players they could be interested in.

Defensive End- - Stanford

6 / 8 The 6'3" 273-pound defensive end out of Stanford, Solomon Thomas is more suited as a 4-3 defensive end. But whether inside or outside, he disrupts the play and gets to the quarterback. He can dominate in games but consistency and his tweener mold are slight issues few have with him. To me, Thomas fits the Saints needs and value the most. If they trade up in the 2017 NFL Draft I think Thomas will be a Top 10 selection.

Cornerback- - Ohio State

7 / 8 The 6'0" 193-pound cornerback out of Ohio State, Marshon Lattimore. He is highly regarded as the best cornerback in a staggering defensive back/ cornerback class. Lattimore shut down many starting receivers all while being a 1st-year starter due to past injuries. He is the best cover and all-around cornerback in the 2017 NFL Draft. His hamstring issues and playing time concerns should be carefully looked at with detail. All that said, Lattimore has too much talent to drop past the top 10.

Whichever scenario the Saints take on Draft Day, I think the idea of getting a top 5 defensive player for a talent devoided defense could be the foundation of something in the future that would help their struggling defense improve in 2017 in hopes of the offense and complementary defense carry them to a playoff spot next year.

8 / 8

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