The New England Patriots did what they do best on Tuesday afternoon (April 3), unleashing an earthquake on the NFL. This time around, it took the form of a trade, as they dealt star wide receiver Brandin Cooks to the Los Angeles Rams. Many will analyze the deal from the perspective of the Rams, who are beginning to look like the best team in the league for 2018.

There's an alternative angle worth discussing, though: Does the trading of Cooks open the door for the Patriots to acquire Odell Beckham Jr.?

Laying out the facts

There are certain facts that are impossible to deny right now.

The first is that Beckham Jr. is extremely talented, but also seems quite troubled. Whether or not he is wearing out his welcome with the New York Giants is speculation, but it's known that he's in the midst of a contract dispute with the team. What's also known is that the Patriots now have two first-round picks in the upcoming 2018 NFL Draft, with one coming over from the Rams.

ESPN's Adam Schefter had previously reported that the asking price for Beckham Jr. - should the Giants decide to part ways with their wide receiver - would likely start at two first-round picks in the 2018 NFL Draft.

Any team has the possibility to string together a couple of first-round picks if they look toward the future, but the Patriots are now one of three teams that have multiple first-round picks this year (Cleveland Browns, Buffalo Bills).

They also have a hole at wide receiver after the departures of Cooks and Danny Amendola.

Will it happen?

Odds are, the Patriots won't be bringing Beckham Jr. to their team anytime soon. For starters, the Giants haven't given any real indication they're going to trade the star wide receiver. He's a once-in-a-generation talent, even if he is troubled, and receivers like him just don't grow on trees.

The teams also have a historic hesitancy to make deals with one another, dating to their Super Bowl animosity.

New England also has a keen understanding of the value of draft picks, often using them to trade back and gain more value, year after year. Still, it's a load of fun to think about. New England has a history of success with mercurial receivers, first among them being Hall of Famer Randy Moss.

With Tom Brady's career winding down (probably), it would also be fun to see him throw to an elite receiver one more time.

But alas, we'll probably be stuck with the photoshop of Beckham Jr. in a Patriots uniform, rather than the real thing.
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