Report: Patriots Have 'Expressed Interest' in Josh Rosen Ahead of 2018 NFL Draft

The New England Patriots have reportedly "expressed interest" in UCLA quarterback Josh Rosen, one of the top prospects in the 2018 NFL draft.

Doug Kyed of NESN reported the update Wednesday and noted the Pats, who own picks No. 23 and 31 in the first round, could look to move up to grab the Bruins' signal-caller.

Speculation has run rampant about the Patriots' intentions since they traded wide receiver Brandin Cooks to the Los Angeles Rams earlier this month to acquire an additional first-round selection.

Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News noted after the deal that New England had an "affinity" for Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield.

The rumors are generating additional interest after ESPN's Adam Schefter reported longtime Patriots starter Tom Brady has "not committed to playing in 2018."

If the organization is concerned Brady may be coming near the end of his legendary career, the talk about it trading up for a QB would make a lot more sense. Before now, it felt more like a smokescreen since the AFC East rival New York Jets and Buffalo Bills are both in the market to upgrade at the position.

Rosen completed 60.9 percent of his throws for 9,340 yards with 59 touchdowns and 26 interceptions across 30 games at UCLA.

He's been competing with Mayfield, Sam Darnold (USC), Josh Allen (Wyoming), Lamar Jackson (Louisville) and Mason Rudolph (Oklahoma State) for positioning within the loaded quarterback group. He should come off the board during the first half of Round 1, potentially inside the top five.

The question is whether the Patriots are willing to sacrifice their added draft capital to make him Brady's heir apparent when the draft kicks off April 26 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.