The New England Patriots need a backup quarterback and an heir-apparent to veteran signal-caller Tom Brady and they are expected to select one in the 2018 NFL Draft in April. Before the NFL Scouting Combine, many names were connected to the Patriots, including Luke Falk of Washington State and Kyle Lauletta of Richmond. After taking a closer look at possible picks, the Patriots now have a new apple of the eye in Chase Litton of Marshall, who impressed many during his performance at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis.
In the NFL Combine, the 6-foot-5 Litton ran the 40-yard dash in 4.9 seconds and finished the three-cone drill in 7.49 seconds. During his pro day, Litton completed 72 of 75 passes, impressing scouts present.
According to Tony Pauline of DraftAnalyst.com, the Patriots are one of the several teams interested in taking Litton. The list also includes the Dallas Cowboys, Washington Redskins, and the Cleveland Browns. Known as a pocket passer, Litton received offers from South Florida and LSU, but he settled for Marshall University. Litton started the final 11 games in his freshman year, throwing for 2,605 yards, 23 touchdowns, and eight interceptions.
In his sophomore year, he threw for 2,612 yards, 24 touchdowns, and nine picks. In his third year, Litton started all 13 games, throwing for 3,115 yards and 25 touchdowns, but had 14 interceptions.
Litton will not be intimated by Brady
During the NFL Combine, Litton declared that he will not be intimated if he’s given a chance to work Brady. “No, you're learning from the greatest of all-time for a reason," Litton said. The Marshall signal-caller added that he will be a sponge that will absorb all the knowledge that Brady brings, from off-field demeanor to his preparation. “You have to do everything he does…because that is the standard,” said Litton, adding that it will be a blessing to be around Brady.
However, the Patriots must be concerned about Litton’s controversial past as he was involved in several incidents, including a merchandise robbery with high school football teammates when he was 16. Also, a nude photo of him and his girlfriend was posted online in 2014 and he had a failed marijuana test during his sophomore year at Marshall.
Brady shaves hair for charity
Brady allowed his head to be shaved during a charity event that will benefit the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, celebrity website TMZ reported. According to TMZ, the event happened in Massachusetts on Thursday (March 8), where $7.5 million was raised for cancer research. Aside from Brady, Massachusetts governor Charlie Baker also has his head shaved for the event. Cancer research is close to Brady’s heart as his mother, Galynn, is a cancer survivor.