3. Jacob Eason, QB, Washington

The Stidham selection was an outlier in what we thought we knew about the Patriots’ likes and dislikes on quarterbacks. He was inaccurate in college but was mobile and boasted a powerful arm. He had the raw talent but rough-around-the-edges approach which the Patriots avoided. Instead, they brought in players who might naturally emulate Brady.

But if Brady is gone, perhaps his system will go, too. That could be especially true if offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels leaves for a head coaching job. The Patriots could be starting from scratch. They could go with a player who is entirely unlike Brady. Eason would certainly be a divergence. He would also probably not require the Patriots to trade up in the first round. He might be there at No. 23 where they pick. He has special physical tools but is an erratic passer and decision-maker. It would take a special coach to develop him. Enter Bill Belichick.