Currently, Jarrett Stidham is the fourth quarterback on the New England Patriots' depth chart, behind veteran starter Tom Brady, backup Brian Hoyer and Danny Etling. However, if Stidham impresses during training camp, there is a chance that he might take over the backup role, and eventually replace Brady as starter when the latter decides that it’s time to hang up his cleats. The Patriots did not use their early picks to select a quarterback. It was expected that the Patriots might use the No. 32 pick to take in a signal-caller.

The Patriots selected wide receiver N’Keal Harry out of Arizona State, rather than pick one of their preferred quarterbacks in Will Grier of West Virginia or Drew Lock of Missouri.

Lock was taken 42nd overall by the Denver Broncos and Grier landed with the Carolina Panthers as the 100th overall selection. The Patriots eventually settled for Stidham with the No. 133 pick, hoping that he could fit as a possible successor to the 41-year-old Brady, who plans to play until he’s 45 years old.

Stidham watched Brady’s films while in Auburn

Barring any hitch, the Patriots have enough time to see if Stidham is the rightful successor to Brady. Stidham, for his part, have all the time in the world to learn from Brady. However, Stidham already had some headstart in learning from Brady during his time at Auburn, according to his college offensive coordinator, Chip Lindsey. In a report by Ryan Hannable of WEEI.com, Lindsey said Stidham would spend one day watching films of several NFL quarterbacks, including Brady.

While watching Brady’s films, Lindsey said Stidham learned some aspects of the veteran quarterback’s game and managed to incorporate them into his own style.

Stidham became Auburn’s starter in his sophomore year, throwing for 3,158 yards with 18 touchdowns and six interceptions in 2017. Stidham’s impressive year made coach Gus Malzahn declare that he’s a potential first-round pick in the NFL Draft.

However, Stidham failed to sustain the momentum of his performance as he threw for just 2,794 yards and 18 touchdowns with five interceptions the following year. The drop in performance caused Stidham’s draft stock to dip.

Stidham a believer of TB12 Method

Aside from that, Stidham is also a firm believer of the TB12 Method, a nutrition method developed for Brady.

In an earlier interview, Stidham said he learned many things from Brady’s book, from nutrition to stretching. The book helped Stidham to watch his diet and become a health buff. “I've been really focused on my nutrition and my eating habits because it goes a long way,” said Stidham. Lindsey said he expects Stidham to watch Brady very closely and try to further emulate his game and his diet. Also, Lindsay said Stidham has the same competitive nature as that of Brady, who is known to compete with his fellow quarterbacks during practices. "He's very, very competitive," Lindsey said. "Doesn't like to lose."
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