Patriots Gridiron News: Is Caleb Williams overhyped? Justin Fields trade thoughts & more

What should the New England Patriots do at the quarterback position? 

With the Mac Jones experience expected to come to an end this offseason, all eyes will be on the 2024 NFL Draft where the Patriots hold the No. 3 overall pick and should have their pick of at least two of the three quarterback prospects entering the draft.

The Chicago Bears, who hold the No. 1 overall pick, could shake up the draft if they either trade the No. 1 overall pick or decided to hold onto Justin Fields and draft someone else at the top spot (we’ll talk about that further down).  If everything plays out with the Bears selecting Caleb Williams, the Patriots will have to decide between LSU’s Jayden Daniels or North Carolina’s Drake Maye if they see either as their next franchise quarterback.

Why the New England Patriots should not trade up for the top signal-caller entering the 2024 NFL Draft

While the Daniels vs Maye debate will swing back and forth up until the actual draft, one Patriots insider is sharing his insight and opinion on what the team should not do…that is draft up for Williams, who he sees as overhyped.

In defending his argument, NBC Sport’s Boston’s Phil Perry highlighted Williams’ turnover issues as a main reason to be weary.

"Remember who was compared to Patrick Mahomes a few years ago? The 'Mormon Mahomes' we called him -- Zach Wilson," Perry said during an appearance on Arbella Early Edition. "Zach Wilson got all sorts of comps to Patrick Mahomes for the exact same reasons, but there's one massive issue I have with Caleb Williams' game -- it has nothing to do with his makeup or his personality -- that isn't anything like Patrick Mahomes does: he turns it over."

Williams is getting similar comps to Mahomes because of his ability to emphasize and create plays, but he has turned the ball over with 21 in a 12-game span last season.  Another gripe Perry has about trading up for a player like Williams is the state of the team’s current roster, which I agree with.  The team has a lot of holes to fill and given up any draft capitol to move up two spots would not be beneficial to the team.  So, stand pat, select Daniels or Maye and then build around the young prospect.

Patriots rumors: Thoughts on a Justin Fields trade

Earlier this week, I did write about the top 5 landing spots for Justin Fields if the Bears decided to trade him.  In that article, I listed the Patriots as a possible fit, but only if they were able acquire him giving up a second or third round pick. 

In all not a huge fan of the idea, but at just 25 years old, there is still potential upside with Fields which has flashed at times during his three-year NFL career.  If he finds the consistency, if he finds his leadership value, he can be at least a top 10 quarterback in this league.  Why not with the Patriots?

In other for that to work, the Patriots will need to solidify their offense around him and add a big-time playmaker.  The team could do this in two ways.  They could draft Marvin Harrison Jr. at No. 3, or they can trade back, obtain more draft capital and then go for a player like Brock Bowers, one of the top tackles and then have the rest of the draft to add receivers and more offensive line help.  Each of these scenarios is if they traded for Fields.

Other possibilities at quarterback for the Patriots

As for other options out there, the Patriots could bring in Jimmy Garoppolo as a veteran presence.  The former Patriots quarterback was hit with a 2-game suspension by the NFL for violating the league’s performance enhancing substances policy and is expected to be released by the Las Vegas Raiders.  That could make him a cheap option for the Patriots in a backup role.

Another option in free agency is Baker Mayfield.  If the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are not able to ink a deal with the 28-year-old QB before the new league year begins, he is an option out there.  As far as Kirk Cousins or any possibility of Russell Wilson, I’m out.  The Patriots best hope is drafted one of the top QBs in this year’s draft and finding a backup option who has starter experience and previous success to help groom whoever that QB is.