Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

The Patriots have made a trade. New England traded a seventh round pick to the Miami Dolphins on Tuesday for wide receiver Isaiah Ford. Ford was drafted by the Dolphins in the seventh round in 2016.

At 6-2 194, Ford gives the Patriots some much needed size at receiver. He is a good route runner who can get open on short and underneath routes and competes on vertical side line throws.

Ford’s best season was last season when he caught 23 passes for 244 yards. He was targeted 35 times. Ford has caught 18 passes for 184 yards thus far this season including a season 7 catches for 76 yards in week two against the Bills. He has been targeted 29 times this season.

Ford was more of a vertical threat at Virginia Tech and while he can take the top off of coverage in plus territory, that isn’t really his game now. He is a more physical receiver who can absorb contact and break tackles.

The Patriots have an obvious need at the position and while Ford is not a star in the making, he does offer the potential for consistent production and he deserves an opportunity to play more than he did in Miami.

He will get that opportunity now and with restricted free agency looming this off-season, he needs to make it count.

Don’t sleep on this acquisition for the Patriots. It could be a sneaky good pick up if Ford gets an opportunity to play.