Based on their draft history since 2002, the New England Patriots haven’t used a first-round pick to take a quarterback in the NFL draft, but have consistently selected a signal-caller in the second, third, or fourth rounds. In 2002, the Patriots selected Rohan Davey with a fourth-round pick. The team also took Kevin O’Connell with a third-round selection in 2008, Ryan Mallett with a third-round pick in 2011, Jimmy Garoppolo with a second-round pick in 2014, and Jacoby Brissett with a third-round pick in 2016.
Garoppolo was then touted as an heir-apparent to veteran starter Tom Brady, but he was traded to the San Francisco 49ers after the latter declared that he wanted to play until he’s 45 years old.
Brissett, for his part, was shipped to the Indianapolis Colts for wide receiver Philip Dorsett. Now, with Brady turning 42 this year and with the contract of backup quarterback Brian Hoyer expiring at the end of the season, the Patriots have no other choice but to take a quarterback high in the 2019 NFL Draft as a possible successor.
Patriots are high on Duke’s Daniel Jones
According to Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports, the Patriots are high on Duke’s signal-caller Daniel Jones. However, Jones might not be available when the Patriots make their selection at No. 32 in the first round. Jones was first touted as a second to fourth-round pick, but he has seen his draft stock rise after his impressive showing during the 2019 NFL Scouting Combine and private workouts.
Now, there are rumors that the New York Giants might take him ahead of other big-name quarterbacks, such as Dwayne Haskins of Ohio State, per ESPN Draft expert Mel Kiper Jr.
If Jones is available, La Canfora said New England might trade up to get him. “I continue to hear the Patriots have taken a shine to him,” said La Canfora, believing that the “Patriots would move up a bit for him, or someone else does.” Jones visited the Patriots last week, and reportedly left head coach Bill Belichick and the other top team brass impressed.
According to Fox Sports 1 host Colin Cowherd, the Patriots might work out a trade with the Detroit Lions for the No. 8 pick.
Other quarterback prospects for Patriots
If the Patriots miss out on Daniels, NFL Media Draft expert Daniel Jeremiah said Belichick could settle for other signal-callers with potential, like Ryan Finley of North Carolina State or Jarrett Stidham of Auburn.
Per Jeremiah, Finley could be a perfect fit for Josh McDaniels’ offense with the way the quarterback operates. Also, Finley gets the ball out of his hands very quickly.
Jeremiah called Stidham one of the true wild cards because of his vast potential. Unfortunately for Stidham, Jeremiah said his stint at Auburn was underwhelming because of a lack of protection or the offensive system was not a perfect fit for him. However, the Patriots could take a chance on Stidham because they have a lot of time developing him before Brady retires. As of now, Brady is preparing for the Patriots' Super Bowl defense by beefing up his body.
