If the New England Patriots want to start competing in the loaded AFC East sooner rather than later, they could make a blockbuster deal over the next few weeks.

With the draft approaching, New England could feel comfortable moving any of its top picks, including the fourth overall, if a player that the front office loves is available.

However, keeping that pick and moving other draft selections could be the better plan, and that’s precisely what Khristopher Knox of Bleacher Report suggested they do for one of the top players in the NFL.

Knox pitched the idea of the Patriots trading for Trey Hendrickson of the Cincinnati Bengals.

His proposal would send the 38th overall pick to Cincinnati. “The Patriots added edge-rushers Harold Landry III and K’Lavon Chaisson in free agency, but there’s room for another high-level sack artist in New England,” Knox wrote. “The Pats recorded just 28 sacks as a team last season, and they could use an influx of defensive leadership.

“Hendrickson could provide both production and strong locker room leadership, and new head coach Mike Vrabel got an up-close look at just how impactful he can be as a Cleveland Browns consultant last season.”

Rumors recently have suggested that the Bengals aren’t getting the package they’re looking for in return for the All-Pro. However, with teams having to pay him if a trade were to happen, it makes sense why some haven’t been willing to move a first-round pick.

If all the Patriots had to trade was one second-rounder, it almost feels too good to pass up on. Hendrickson has posted 77 sacks throughout his career, which started in 2017.

He’s coming off two straight seasons of 17.5 sacks in each. The Patriots would be adding arguably the best pass rusher in the NFL, and someone who could quickly improve this rebuild.