The New England Patriots are likely to take a quarterback in the 2020 NFL Drat to add to their depth chart which includes Jarrett Stidham and Brian Hoyer — and, for the first time in 20 years, does not include Tom Brady.
New England is looking for his replacement, whether that player takes control for another 20 years or not. But first and foremost, he needs to help the Patriots win in 2020. Considering that offseason work is likely to be truncated, the Patriots may draft a quarterback with the future in mind. But it sounds like they want to spend a high pick on a quarterback. It wouldn’t be wild to think a draft pick might be in the mix to start this season.
Here’s a look at a quarterback the Patriots could pick in each round of the NFL draft.
First round — Whoever slips: Oregon’s Justin Herbert or Alabama’s Tua Tagovailoa
It’s possible neither of theses players slip, and when the Patriots pick at 23rd overall, they’re looking at Utah State’s Jordan Love or Washington’s Jacob Eason. I don’t like either of those players in the first round. For Love, it’s spotty decision-making (20 touchdowns and 17 interceptions in 2019). For Eason, it’s spotty accuracy and limited action as a starter.
So New England may hold out hope that Tagovailoa or Herbert slip in the draft, whether to 23rd overall or to a spot where the Patriots could move up a few picks. With Tagvailoa, the Patriots would land one of the quickest processors in the draft and no shortage of arm talent. The only question is his injury history (and future). Herbert, meanwhile, is healthy with a very live arm, but his ability to read the field needs work.