Gregory Payan/Associated Press

The New England Patriots have reportedly expressed interest in selecting UCLA quarterback Josh Rosen in the 2018 NFL draft.

Benjamin Allbright of AM1340 in Denver tweeted that he received a text Tuesday regarding New England's interest in Rosen.

Allbright's report came after ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that the Patriots traded wide receiver Brandin Cooks and a 2018 fourth-round draft pick to the Los Angeles Rams for the No. 23 overall pick in the first round of the 2018 NFL draft, as well as a sixth-round selection.

Following the Cooks trade, New England now owns the No. 23 and No. 31 picks in the 2018 draft.

While that gives the Patriots some ammunition to move up, it seems unlikely that they could get themselves into position to pick Rosen unless they give up a future first-round pick and additional assets as well.

Rosen is widely considering one of the top quarterback prospects in the 2018 class, and he figures to be on the radar for the Cleveland Browns at No. 1, New York Giants at No. 2, New York Jets at No. 3, Denver Broncos at No. 5, Miami Dolphins at No. 11, Buffalo Bills at No. 12 and Arizona Cardinals at No. 15.

The Patriots don't have much promise at the quarterback position behind the 40-year-old Tom Brady after trading Jimmy Garoppolo to the San Francisco 49ers last season.

Although Brady continues to play at an elite level that netted him MVP honors in 2017, New England needs an heir apparent.

Bleacher Report's Matt Miller rated Rosen as the No. 7 overall player and No. 3 quarterback in the 2018 draft behind USC's Sam Darnold and Wyoming's Josh Allen on his latest big board.

Miller also predicted in his latest mock draft that the Bills will trade up to No. 6 overall in a swap with the Indianapolis Colts to take Rosen.