After trading one of their second-round picks, the New England Patriots picked up an extra third-round pick this year. With that selection the Patriots (and Tom Brady according to Kevin Faulk) picked North Carolina State guard Joe Thuney. 13 picks later, the Patriots added another member of the Wolfpack by selecting QB Jacoby Brissett.
The #Patriots toss a curveball. They take #NCState QB Jacoby Brissett at No. 91. Does Jimmy Garoppolo have a backup? (Note: He has no agent)
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 30, 2016
With Tom Brady’s status to start the season in question, the Patriots had to add a QB behind Jimmy Garoppolo. Bill Belichick has said he’s confident Garoppolo can succeed, so adding a veteran wasn’t necessary. Instead, the Patriots looked to the draft and selected the mobile Brissett. The Patriots hope Brissett doesn’t have to play a meaningful down this season and can develop behind Brady and Garoppolo. If he progresses enough, Garoppolo would then become expendable, much like Brian Hoyer and Ryan Mallett have been in the past.
Here’s what NFL Mocks writer Rodney Stokes sees in Brissett.
"Jacoby is one of those players that when he’s on, it’s on. When the game is in his control he can put up a highlight reel off of a single drive. Seriously, this guy has a knack for being a playmaker.While having houdini-like escape ability, Jacoby also is an efficient passer. In his two seasons at NC State he never had more than six interceptions in a season and posted a QB rating of 130.6. He’s a quarterback that knows where to put the ball and his placement is among the best in this class, when given time to throw he’s able to hit any throw on the field.When I say he’s underrated I mean that. His numbers are efficient but they’re not eye-popping stats that some of the more heralded quarterbacks possess. As a guy who has all the tools and ability, Brissett has a real shot at being a starting NFL quarterback."