The New England Patriots need offensive weapons after a down year. Quarterback Tom Brady had one of his worst statistical seasons in just about every passing category. And so as he is set to enter free agency, he seems to be patiently waiting for New England to signal it is going to prioritize helping him this offseason.
That will surely start in free agency, when the Patriots will be attempting to re-sign Brady while adding a handful of other skill players. But it will continue in the 2020 NFL Draft. So with the NFL combine taking place in Indianapolis this week, here are some offensive skill players who may interest the Patriots.
1. Jordan Love, QB, Utah
The quarterback is so physically talented that he’s likely to be off the board when the Patriots pick. But in the event he falls within range of a trade — or even surprisingly to New England at 23rd overall — then the Patriots best be prepared. Love’s talent isn’t in question, but the Patriots will want to run him through a thorough examination of his mental aptitude and his ability to take coaching. He’s got a lot of upside, but in order to reach his full potential, he needs to prove himself a type of player who the Patriots can mold. And surely, he’ll need to address his marijuana possession charge in December.
2. Jacob Eason, QB, Washington
There’s significant character questions about Eason and his maturity, per The Athletic’s Dane Brugler. Can Eason assuage those concerns this week?
3. Jake Fromm, QB, Georgia
I pegged Fromm as a strong candidate for New England, though it’s not totally clear where he might fall in the draft. Perhaps the Patriots would be so bold as to take him in the first round. Perhaps they’d be willing to trade back in the second round to take him there. He’s not like Love — Fromm doesn’t have physical gifts that wow. But he has been a solid starter for three years at Georgia, and has delivered big wins throughout his career against some of the SEC’s top defenses. That goes a long way in Bill Belichick’s evaluation of a player. Perhaps poise and accuracy can help Fromm take the next step in the NFL, even without the strongest arm in his draft class.