2017 NFL Mock Draft: Free Agency Creates Big Trade Moves
By Erik Lambert
![Sep 3, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) throws as Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Davin Bellamy (17) is upended behind him during the fourth quarter of the 2016 Chick-Fil-A Kickoff game at Georgia Dome. Georgia won 33-24. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports Sep 3, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) throws as Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Davin Bellamy (17) is upended behind him during the fourth quarter of the 2016 Chick-Fil-A Kickoff game at Georgia Dome. Georgia won 33-24. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/3233771163c6e49e971aa89bbfe12639b259b931556fcddf4f082e2ea33353d4.jpg)
32. New England Patriots (via NO)
Washington. Cordrea Tankersley . 32. player. 47. Word is the Saints and Patriots are working out another trade. This time it involves a player going the other ways. New Orleans desperately needs defensive help. Malcolm Butler is a restricted free agent. He represents everything the Saints don’t have at the cornerback position. Having signed Stephon Gilmore, the Patriots are in a position to deal him if they wish. The Saints have two 1st round picks, so they just give #32 right back to New England. <p>Generally the Patriots have only taken defensive backs early when they feel they can be versatile threats. Cordrea Tankersly was a dependable cornerback for Clemson who excelled at producing takeaways. However, his body type and ball skills could also make for a successful switch to safety. He’ll help fill the void left by Butler, giving New England two talented young corners on the boundary. Then if need be they could slide him to safety just like they did Devin McCourty.</p>. CB