Tim Tebow Trade Rumors: How Does Tebow Fit the New England Patriots Offense?

According to Louise Cornetta of ESPN Boston, fellow ESPN writer John Clayton says Tim Tebow could end up in New England:

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John Clayton on ESPN Radio said if Broncos get Manning the rumor circulating is Denver would trade Tebow to #Patriots

— Louise Cornetta (@ESPNLKCornetta) March 17, 2012"

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It certainly wouldn't a surprising move, because Patriots' offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels was the Broncos head coach in 2010 when Denver traded up to draft Tebow.

Now, back in New England since the postseason, McDaniels would definitely find a use for Tebow in the Pats offense.

How? Well, let's take a look at some areas that Tebow's versatility would work for the Pats.

Short-Yard Situations

Here, Tebow's size would be most fitting, whether it's putting him under center to drive forward for the first-down or pushing for the first down on third and short. Also, New England could keep Tom Brady under center and put Tebow at fullback.

After all, the man is 6'4", almost 240 pounds and has proved he can run-over and break tackles numerous times in 2011. Tebow could also lead block in these situations for any of the Pats' running backs.

Trick Plays

This is one of the more interesting areas to use Tebow. Here, the Pats could put him in the slot and off the line. He'll be more like a tight end in this case, however, the double-pass would be a dangerous play to defend.

Brady can take the snap then fire the rock out to Tebow, who then launches the ball downfield to Rob Gronkowski, Aaron Hernandez or Wes Welker on a post or streak. The lateral to Tebow draws up the secondary because of the threat of the run, but his strong arm and deep ball accuracy (where he's most accurate) benefits this formation.

Also, lining Tebow up as a running back next to Brady in shotgun allows for direct snaps. From there, Tebow could have the option to run or throw, thus keeping a defense on its heels.

Wildcat Package 

The most likely of scenarios; Tom Brady comes out and Tebow comes in.

Not under center, but in shotgun taking snaps and running the wildcat. Tebow's option skills really come into play here, as we saw against Pittsburgh in the AFC Wild Card Round. Plus, defenses will have Tebow's passing ability in the back of its mind.

With all of New England's receiving targets, having Tebow take snaps and forge ahead only draws up  the secondary. Thus, setting up play-action and just airing it out deep to let "Gronk," Hernandez or Welker make a play.

It's not so much about sending those guys deep as it is the ways in which New England can set up the play-action pass. Having Tebow provides more than one or two ways, which easily gives the Pats a distinct advantage.

John Rozum on Twitter.