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Inside the New England Patriots Draft Room: Who Will Join the Super Bowl Champions

By Shawn Spencer

Dec 18, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick walks the sidelines in the second half against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 18, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick walks the sidelines in the second half against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
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Patriots draft QB
Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) leads teammates onto the field before Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. At left is New England Patriots quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) and New England Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

Quarterbacks

When it comes to the Patriots selecting quarterbacks in the NFL Draft, the first player that comes to mind is Tom Brady. If talking about the past, it’s in regards to number 12 being the biggest draft steal in NFL history. If talking about the future, it’s in reference to which QB will actually be the heir-apparent to Brady. Ryan Mallett held that title at one point, but six years later Brady is still on top of the football world while Mallett has played for three teams and started just eight career games.

Today, Jimmy Garoppolo is that man. By the time the 2017 season kicks off, Jacoby Brissett could be thrust into that role. At times the Patriots have carried just two quarterbacks on the roster, however three is the logical number for 2017. Brady and Brissett are locks, while Garoppolo will remain on the roster unless he’s traded. If that happens, look for the Patriots to bring in a third arm to provide insurance.

That could very well mean a veteran (Blaine Gabbert anyone?), but there are also a large number of prospects who scored well compared to other quarterbacks the Patriots have drafted under Bill Belichick.

Highly-valued skills (above average compared to rest of NFL):

height, weight, arm length, short shuttle (82 prospects graded)

1. Davis Webb (California) – 78.5%

2. Jeremy Johnson (Auburn) – 50%

3. Justin Holman (Central Florida) – 35.7%

3. DeShone Kizer (Notre Dame) – 35.7%

3. Mitch Leidner (Minnesota) – 35.7%

3. Patrick Towles (Boston College) – 35.7%

7. Austin Appleby (Florida) – 21.4%

8. Dan Collins (Maine) – 14.2%

9. Joe Hubener (Kansas State) – 7.1%

9. Patrick Mahomes II (Texas Tech) – 7.1%

9. Deshaun Watson (Clemson) – 7.1%

Fell below the minimum threshold in one category, but still finished with a positive score:

1. Brady Gustafson (Montana) – 21.4%

2. Taysom Hill (BYU) – 14.2%

3. Antonio Pipkin (Tiffin) – 7.1%

The Patriots won’t be selecting a quarterback early in the draft, if at all, so the top-rated prospects aren’t under consideration. Instead, bringing in someone such as Mitch Leidner or Brady Gustafson as a late-round pick or undrafted free agent makes the most sense if Garoppolo is shipped away.

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