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New England Patriots closing in on trade for former Ohio State star

Stephen Samraby:Steve Samra•08/26/21•

SamraSource

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Zach Bolinger / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The New England Patriots are close to adding more talent to their secondary. According to NFL Insider Ian Rapoport, the team is close with the Baltimore Ravens on a trade for former Ohio State standout Shaun Wade.

“The Ravens are close on a trade of fifth-round pick CB Shaun Wade, the former Ohio State standout, to the #Patriots, sources,” tweeted Rapoport. “A high-ceiling player likely added to New England’s secondary.”

Surprisingly, the Ravens seem ready to move on from Wade. The team drafted the cornerback in the fifth-round of this year’s NFL Draft, but are already moving him.

The Patriots are taking a swing on a player who hasn’t even gotten through his first NFL training camp yet. If he makes any sort of impact, a fifth-round pick is a bargain to trade away.

Earlier in his college career at Ohio State, Wade was regarded as a potential first or second round selection. Alas, he fell in the draft following two rough performances in the 2021 College Football Playoff.

Shaun Wade’s Impressive Preseason

Moreover, the move for the Ravens becomes a little more mind-boggling when you consider Wade’s impressive play so far this preseason.

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While it’s a small sample size, the former Ohio State cornerback has been impressive. So far, he’s the second highest-graded rookie cornerbacks against single coverage, per PFF.

In the team’s preseason opener against the New Orleans Saints, Wade made his first professional interception. Evidently, he’s proved so far he can get the job done.

Alas, the reigning Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year will have to make his mark on a new franchise early in his NFL career. While Baltimore may believe it’s a mirage, the New England Patriots are betting on Wade’s impact to continue.

If Shaun Wade can harness his potential, this could end up being one of the sneakiest moves of the entire summer.