While the New England Patriots expect starting quarterback Tom Brady to play until he’s 45 years old, they must also find an heir-apparent that they can develop in preparation for their veteran signal-caller’s retirement. Many draft experts see the Patriots taking a quarterback at some point in the 2018 NFL Draft, which boasts several signal-callers with starter potential. Among them are Baker Mayfield (Oklahoma), Josh Rosen (UCLA), Mason Rudolph (Oklahoma State), Josh Allen (Wymoning), Sam Darnold (USC) and Lamar Jackson (Louisville). The Patriots have the 31st, 43rd, 63rd, 95th, 136th, and 191st picks in the 2018 NFL Draft, which they can use to take an heir-apparent to Brady.
Rudolph an ideal QB for Patriots
Draft expert Mike Mayock has a quarterback in mind for the Patriots, whom he sees as a perfect fit for head coach Bill Belichick’s system and could take over from Brady when the right time comes. During Monday’s national conference call, NFL Media draft expert Mike Mayock said Rudolph could be a fit for the Patriots. Mayock described Rudolph as a “prototypical, dropback type of guy” who could deliver what the Patriots' offense demands from him. Rudolph is projected to be a late first-round pick in recent mock drafts and could be taken behind Rosen, Allen and Mayfield. In his four-year stay in Stillwater, Rudolph completed 915-of-1,447 passes for 13,618 yards and 92 touchdowns with 26 interceptions for a rating of 159.7.
Rudolph also ran for 10 touchdowns in his collegiate career with Oklahoma State.
Other QB options for New England
Aside from Rudolph, Mayock said that the Patriots could also take a look at Luke Falk of Washington State, Mike White of Western Kentucky, Kyle Lauletta of Richmond and Logan Woodside of Toledo. According to Mayock, the 2018 Draft is rich in quarterback talent that the Patriots could select until the third or fourth rounds.
The Patriots have the chance to take a closer look at the 10 above-mentions quarterbacks in the NFL Scouting Combine this week in Indianapolis. Earlier, NESN.com reported that Patriots head coach Bill Belichick will lead the team’s contingent to the NFL Scouting Combine this week. However, he will not be joined by offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels and the rest of his offensive assistant coaches as they are finishing other projects. Belichick will have their defensive coaches as they take a look at potential picks.
