Marcio Jose Sanchez/Associated Press

The New England Patriots are reportedly in talks to acquire offensive tackle Trent Brown from the San Francisco 49ers, according to Pro Football Talk.

Brown may have been made expendable Thursday night when the 49ers selected Notre Dame offensive tackle Mike McGlinchey with the No. 9 overall pick in the 2018 NFL draft.

San Francisco selected Brown in the seventh round of the 2015 NFL draft out of Florida, and he became a full-time starter in his second season.

After starting all 16 games at right tackle in 2016, Brown made 10 starts last season.

Veteran Joe Staley continues to hold down the starting left tackle spot, but with McGlinchey in line to start at right tackle, Brown likely won't be anything more than a backup swing tackle if the Niners keep him.

He would have a much better opportunity to start in New England considering the Pats' need for an offensive tackle.

The Patriots lost both Nate Solder and Cameron Fleming in free agency, meaning LaAdrian Waddle and Marcus Cannon are currently penciled in as their starting tackles.

Brown is a massive player at 6'8" and 355 lbs., and at just 25 years of age, he still has some untapped potential as well.

If the Patriots want to trade for Brown, then they likely have enough assets to do so in the 2018 draft. New England owns two second-round picks, one third-round pick, two sixth-round picks and one seventh-round pick.