Digging for Treasure: New England’s Quest for a Quarterback

The Draft starts today, and for the first time in decades, New England’s greatest need is at quarterback. They haven’t selected one in the first round since they grabbed Drew Bledsoe in 1993, and while there is no guarantee that a top-five quarterback will be available by the time the Patriots are on-the-clock, there is always a chance they could trade up. 

But who will they choose? Whether they’re still at the 15th spot, or within the top 10, these are some potential draft picks that could begin the next era in New England.

Justin Fields—Ohio State

Photo credit to @OhioStateFB on Twitter.

• 6’3” 228 lbs

• 22-years-old

• 2020 stats:

  • 158 of 225 for 70.2%

  • 2,100 yards

  • 22 touchdowns

  • 6 interceptions

PROS

Has a strong arm, one of the best in the draft, able to make any throw. Patient in the pocket and keeps his vision downfield. No issue taking the underneath routes if plays don’t develop properly. Unphased by the rush and can buy time for receivers by relying on his elusiveness and keeping plays alive. A rushing threat that can throw on the run. Has good timing with his throws and hits his players in stride; doesn’t force receivers to “go and get it.” A tough player that will play through injuries if he has to. 

CONS

Sometimes misses safety help which leads to interceptions. Sometimes his progression is slow, can take too long to make a decision, stares down receivers. 

PROJECTION

Top 15-20.

Fields has all the physical requirements expected of the modern-day quarterback in the NFL today. He possesses a very strong arm and is mobile enough to be dangerous at the next level. That being said, he struggles with his reads and processing the progression of plays. 

These issues could be a major red flag, but it might make Fields the perfect fit with leadership such as Belichick and a veteran player such as Cam Newton, who had similar skills in his days at Auburn. 

Fields showed inconsistency at the end of 2020 amongst tough competition but if he somehow falls down into the late top-10 or even to New England’s #15 spot, I don’t see why the Patriots would skip him. 

Zach Wilson—BYU

Photo credit to @BYUfootball on Twitter.

• 6’3” 209 lbs

• 21-years-old

• 2020 stats:

  • 247 of 336 for 73.5%

  • 3,692 yards passing

  • 33 touchdowns

  • 10 rushing touchdowns

  • 3 interceptions

PROS

Originally thought to be competing against Justin Fields for the number two spot. Zach Wilson has since exploded in draft value after showing his potential on his Pro Day with a phenomenal across-the-body-throw. Wilson can scramble, has incredible arm strength and range, even when not set properly; his velocity, touch, and placement almost seems natural in his tape. He hits his receivers in-stride, stays consistent and calm under pressure, showing his IQ with on-field decisions and improvisation. His pocket awareness and ability to scramble makes him a dangerous dual threat. 

CONS

Wilson’s speed isn’t great. He was a good scrambler at the collegiate level, but in the NFL, he might be average to below average in that department. It’s not likely that this is a huge issue, but on tape he does tend to roll out of the pocket too often. Wilson also has an inclination towards having a Favre-esque “gunslinger mentality.” A kind of fearlessness that can make you great in the NFL or break you with costly mistakes. Lastly, there is injury concerns. At the end of his freshman year, he had surgery on a torn labrum. So far everything has been fine, but the potential risk still remains. 

PROJECTION

Top five.

It’s hard to see him going past the top three selections due to teams needing a solid quarterback, but if he does, and by some miracle Miami skips him at pick six, Belichick could trade up with Detroit for spot number 7 and take a shot. If Belichick trades up, it’ll likely be for Detroit’s spot, and while Wilson is an unlikely scenario, more unusual things have happened on the board.

Mac Jones—Alabama

Photo credit to @AlabamaFTBL on Twitter.

• 6’3” 214 lbs

• 22-years-old

• 2020 Stats:

  • 311 of 402 for 77.4%

  • 4,500 yards passing

  • 41 touchdowns

  • 4 interceptions

PROS

Mac Jones has won on college’s biggest stage, so there is plenty of tape on his performances. He makes quick decisions, has great size and intangibles, isn’t scared to stand in the pocket and knows how to navigate it under duress. When he gets into rhythm, he is accurate, he knows how to hit his wide receivers in stride, and flourishes with short and medium throws. 

CONS

Outside of the pocket, Jones struggles with athleticism, and at the NFL level around the best athletes in the game, this fault will become only more pronounced. When he is on a cold streak, Jones can under throw or throw behind receivers on their routes and needs to work on his deep accuracy overall. Lastly, while it helped him succeed in college, being on a loaded roster can be seen as a hindrance as it potentially hides shortcomings Jones might have, especially when he isn't surrounded by an all-star cast. 

PROJECTION

Late first to early second round.

He is very likely not Belichick’s first choice in terms of quarterback talent. If New England stays at the 15th spot and the board plays out in an unusual way, Mac Jones might be a roll-of-the-dice for the Patriots. 

Trey Lance—NDSU

Photo credit to @NDSUfootball on Twitter.

• 6’4” 226 lbs

• 20-years-old

• 2019 stats:

  • 192 of 287 for 66.9%

  • 2,786 yards passing

  • 28 touchdowns

  • 0 interceptions

  • 1,100 yards rushing

  • 14 rushing touchdowns

PROS

Trey Lance was a phenomenal star at the collegiate level in 2019 and had only one chance to show his ability in 2020 due to Covid ending North Dakota State’s season early.

Lance is a strong runner who can handle arm tackles and direct hits. He hits his receivers in stride and has good pocket and downfield awareness. This allows him to recover from broken plays and showcase his escapability and rely on his agility to improvise on the move. He has a strong arm and an accurate deep ball. He has a nice and wide stance with good hip rotation.

CONS

Maybe a little too eager for contact. While he seemed to handle himself in college, it can get you killed in the NFL, just look at Joe Burrow before he learned to slide. Lance also has a limited highlight reel, only playing one full season, and that same lack of experience in college might make the NFL a steep learning curve for him. Also, while he has a nice stance and hip rotation, he does tend to plant his feet a little early.

PROJECTION

Top 10 to top 20. 

His single 2020 performance showed that he can be human, sporting an interception and a measly 50% completion rate, but he did still accumulate four total touchdowns, throwing two through the air and two on the ground. He might be grabbed early due to his athleticism, but he also might fall due to his inexperience. 

Considering Bill and co. re-signed Cam Newton, they may be willing to take a risk and let Lance develop and learn under veteran leadership. 

Kyle Trask—Florida

Photo credit to @GatorsFB on Twitter.

• "6’5” 240 lbs

• 23-years-old

• 2020 stats:

  • 301 of 432 for 68.9%

  • 4,283 yards passing

  • 43 touchdowns

  • 8 interceptions

PROS

Smart, classic pocket passer, who knows how to remain calm and controlled even during collapses. Goes through progression well. Can sense the rush and has a fluid overhand delivery. Not unhappy with hitting the safe outlet but can hit tight windows when it is needed. Hits his receivers in stride and has great placement so receivers aren’t forced to work for catches. Has a good leadership presence.

CONS

Not mobile in any sense, too slow to be elusive, arm doesn’t compare to some other draft prospects. Athleticism doesn’t meet modern-NFL standards and expectations by a majority of the league’s organizations.

PROJECTION

Trask beat his programs’ single season touchdown record set in 1996 and had a comparable performance to Joe Burrow’s 2019 Heisman winning season, but unlike Burrow, he isn’t as athletic, which is becoming a near requirement in the modern-day NFL. 

While the Florida quarterback might be passed by teams for players such as Zach Wilson, Trey Lance, and Justin Fields, he could be a wonderful fit for a team who has spent the last two plus decades working with another “unathletic” quarterback in future hall-of-famer Tom Brady.

MY SELECTION:

While Zach Wilson would be the desired choice for New England, and I believe that Trey Lance or Justin Fields would do well under Newton and Belichick, I think that Trask from Florida University is the best choice.

Trask is a natural leader, with a good IQ, downfield awareness, he has the mental ability to give it up for the safe option and has a good pocket presence with fluid delivery.

I believe he fits the mold that worked so well with Bill when he picked up Brady at 199th. Brady himself did not fit the athletic desires of the league, even back then, and yet all the Pro Day activities and physical tests in the world couldn't predict the performance that comes on game day.

Leadership potential isn't something you can teach. You have it or you dont. I think Trask has the highest potential in terms of skill, scheme fit intangibles, and availability on the draft board.

Feature photo credit to Adrian Curiel at Unsplash.com