5 Quarterbacks the New England Patriots Could Draft to Replace Jimmy Garoppolo

#3 Max Browne (Pittsburgh)

Back in 2005, the Patriots spent a seventh-round pick on Matt Cassel, the backup QB at USC. Playing behind Carson Palmer and Matt Leinart, Cassel only threw 33 career passes in college, enough to catch the eye of Belichick. In 2018, another former USC quarterback could be on the radar.

Max Browne began his career at USC and spent three seasons as a backup to Cody Kessler. The former top-rated QB recruit was finally named the starter prior to the 2016 season. It didn’t take long however for Browne to return to the bench after a 1-2 start.

Browne transferred to Pittsburgh before the 2017 season, and there was hope he could succeed much like Nathan Peterman, another transfer who would become a fifth-round pick, did when he arrived on campus. Inconsistent play marred his comeback story, and a shoulder injury ended his college career. Will the Patriots see the potential in Browne much like they did with Cassel 13 years ago? Only time will tell, but it won’t take more than a late-round pick to bring him aboard.