The Patriots acquired rookie cornerback Shaun Wade this afternoon from the Baltimore Ravens in exchange for 2022 seventh round pick and 2023 5th round pick.

Wade looked like a first round pick in 2019. He played like an elite level corner with size. Wade decided to return to school in 2020 and the decision proved to be costly. He struggled mightily playing both corner and safety. He especially struggled over the top in man coverage. Often times it was due to poor technique.

The Patriots are banking that with some fundamental work, they can get Wade back on track. They better. They gave up a decent haul for a player who is having a good pre-season but was facing the possibility of getting cut.

Wade could end up playing all over the place for the Patriots. He has the length and athleticism to play corner and he can slide inside on nickel and dime packages as well. He can also play safety as well. He did it at Ohio State.

You see why a player like Wade would appeal to Bill Belichick. Now it is just a matter of coaching him up and getting more consistent play out of him.

I wouldn’t categorize this deal as as a steal but it is a smart acquisition by Belichick. If the Patriots can get Wade back on track fundamentally, they will end up with a player who can step in and make an immediate impact now and in the future.