Patriots gridiron news: Interest in Josh Rosen is very real

With two first round picks in the 2018 NFL draft, the New England Patriots have the stock to move up and select a player like UCLA quarterback Josh Rosen.

Tom Brady is expected to return in 2018, but that doesn’t mean Bill Belichick isn’t trying to find the quarterback of the future for the New England Patriots.

That next guy could be UCLA quarterback Josh Rosen.

Labeled as the most talented passer in the entire draft, Rosen could slide out of the top 5.  That would give the Patriots an opportunity to trade up in the draft with a team like the San Francisco 49ers who happen to have the No. 9 pick overall.

Now, the question going into the draft is whether the Patriots feel there is a quarterback in this year’s field worth trading up for.  The answer to that question does lay on the mindset of Tom Brady.  If the team feels he has lost the dedication to play past 2018, a player like Rosen could be their best option.

Rosen may also be the one prospect entering the NFL draft who could motivate Brady to perform at a high level like Jimmy Garoppolo.

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Whatever the interest level the Patriots have in Rosen, it is there according to NESN’s Doug Kyed.  And then there is this nugget from CBS Sports’ Jason La Canfora:

"“Would the Patriots move up in the teens for a quarterback if the right one falls?  I continue to hear that is most certainly a possibility they are entertaining and as I covered on Monday, Josh Rosen seems the likeliest of the “big four” quarterbacks to make that slide.  With Miami and Buffalo (for now if they don’t move up) sitting at 11-12 and exploring QBs as well, 10 could be a nice spot for Oakland to find value via trade.”"

With the Raiders set at quarterback, that possibility is intriguing.  However, the 49ers at No. 9 and even the Denver Broncos at No. 5 could give the New England Patriots a more realistic shot at Josh Rosen if the interest is deep enough.

With two first and second round draft picks, it is pretty much a guarantee Bill Belichick will swing some deals.  Could one of those deals land Josh Rosen?

We will certainly find out on April 27.

Patriots sign tackle Ulrick John

The New England Patriots added some depth along the offensive line on Monday.

As first reported by Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle, the team has agreed to terms with tackle Ulrick John.

At just 25 years old, John has spent time with four NFL teams.  Those teams include the Indianapolis Colts, Miami Dolphins, Arizona Cardinals and recently the Green Bay Packers.

Drafted in the seventh round of the 2014 NFL draft, Ulrick John is a 6-foot-5, 307-pound offensive linemen who should at least compete for a roster spot.  With the loss of both Nate Solder and Cameron Fleming to free agency, the Patriots are in need of tackle depth.

Next: New England Patriots: 5 QB prospects who could challenge Tom Brady

While part of that is expected to be taken care of in this year’s NFL draft, Ulrick will certainly get a good look along with Matt Tobin and last year’s third-round draft pick Antonio Garcia.