3 Assets Patriots Can Use to Trade up for Tua Tagovailoa

The New England Patriots have a golden opportunity to reload at quarterback after Tom Brady's departure by trading up for Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, as his hip injury is causing him to slide down draft boards. The Patriots have more assets than most to move up in the draft to snag the potential franchise quarterback, including some premium draft picks and some elite position players.

3. The No.23 Overall Pick

New England's pick is in prime position for Bill Belichick to add either a pass rusher or another wide receiver, but most of the draft's top quarterbacks will be gone by the time the Patriots pick. No. 23 will certainly need to head to whomever New England trades with, as well any number of the stable of mid-round picks that the Patriots have acquired over the last few years.

2. Offensive Guard Joe Thuney

The Patriots might have put the franchise tag on Thuney, thereby placing a $14.78 million cap hit on him, but New England have not made any progress on signing him to a new, long-term contract. Thuney deserves every penny he is being paid, as his athleticism and nastiness as a run blocker has made him one of the best guards in all of football. A team with a quarterback but no offensive line might consider trading down, as it could land them Thuney and some extra picks.

1. Cornerback Stephon Gilmore

Gilmore, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, could be New England's biggest bargaining chip that could land them a franchise quarterback. Gilmore might be moved this offseason if the Patriots can't work out an extension with him, and a team high in the draft would be willing to part with a first-rounder and some additional goodies in exchange for a player of Gilmore's talent and pedigree. Watch for New England to blow up the roster in the draft to nab Tua.