Top 10 Quarterbacks in the 2020 NFL Draft: No. 9 Shea Patterson

2020 NFL Draft Prediction: Late Day Three Selection

There is an argument to be made that Patterson is a far better quarterback than his draft stock would indicate. His performance at the Senior Bowl illustrated that he is at least a developmental quarterback who could eventually serve as a quality backup in the NFL.

Several teams will need backup quarterbacks next season and several general managers try to have a developmental quarterback in the wings going into every season.

The Philadelphia Eagles have had Nate Sudfeld as their third-string quarterback since 2017. Sudfeld was originally drafted in the sixth round and has shown to be competent on the field during his limited usage. Sudfeld is a free agent this year and the Eagles will be looking for their next developmental quarterback in the 2020 NFL Draft.

According to Ourlads.com, 14 NFL teams carried a third quarterback last season and historically these teams have kept a third quarterback on the roster most seasons. Teams like the Baltimore Ravens, New England Patriots and the Indianapolis Colts kept third-string quarterbacks around in 2019.

Some people think its a waste of a roster spot to have a third quarterback on the roster, but both Super Bowl teams this past season, the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers, kept a third-string quarterback. When it comes to the most important position on the field, having extra options is always a good idea.

The Colts had Chad Kelly, Patterson’s Ole Miss teammate, as their third-string quarterback in 2019. Perhaps they might consider selecting Patterson as a developmental quarterback?

Patterson can run around the field and keep defenses guessing. He showed that much in college. And in certain circumstances, he can make the big throws that NFL scouts are looking for. Despite playing for a great head coach in Michigan the last two seasons, Harbaugh was never able to get Patterson comfortable enough during his tenure as starting quarterback.

While he has not always been a consistent passing threat, he is too talented and too athletic to go undrafted. Patterson will get a chance to play somewhere next season and earn his keep, either as a backup or a practice squad quarterback.