A first-round sleeper who could be available at No. 66 is Washington State’s Cameron Ward.
After transferring from Florida State, Ward was another PAC-10 quarterback who had an outstanding season in 2023.
At 6-foot-2, 223 pounds, Ward led the Cougars with 3,735 yards passing with 25 touchdowns against 7 interceptions. With an NFL arm and high IQ at the line of scrimmage, Ward is a draft prospect who could eventually find himself as an NFL starter, but it may take a few years of development learning behind a veteran quarterback.
Unlike Maye and Penix Jr., Ward may not have the readiness to step in as a starter right away so this selection will be based either on the Patriots deciding to take a shot at drafting two quarterbacks in the draft, one to compete with whoever they take at the top of the draft, or if they decide to go with a veteran quarterback via free agency or trade to lead the offense on a short-term basis.
His issues with decision-making at times along with his size could make him more of a project for the Patriots at the position, but there is room for growth for Ward that could make him more of a down-the-road option or a backup with starter potential.