Patriots’ biggest free agency moves all fit a common theme
The New England Patriots are currently in one of the most critical times in franchise history. And since the legal tampering period began on Monday, each and every team has been busy. That includes the Patriots. But there is one common theme among each and every move that New England has made. And that is […]
The New England Patriots are currently in one of the most critical times in franchise history.
And since the legal tampering period began on Monday, each and every team has been busy. That includes the Patriots.
But there is one common theme among each and every move that New England has made. And that is setting them up perfectly for the 2023 Draft. Plus it may even give away exactly what they plan to do with the No. 3 overall pick.
So far, the Patriots have re-signed receivers Kendrick Bourne and Jalen Reagor, tight end Hunter Henry, and offensive lineman Mike Onwenu. Outside of the organization, they have brought in offensive tackle Chukwuma Okorafor, running back Antonio Gibson, and quarterback Jacoby Brissett.
However, it was reported that Brissett will only be used as a veteran bridge/backup quarterback next season.
So that makes it clear that they plan to use the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft on a quarterback. Expect Drake Maye or Jayden Daniels to be in a Patriots jersey next season.
The Patriots have also traded Mac Jones to the Jacksonville Jaguars in exchange for a sixth round pick. So that left Bailey Zappe and Nathan Rourke as the quarterbacks for New England. And now Brissett is added to the mix.
Breaking down the top quarterback prospects
Jayden Daniels
Daniels has a skillet set that New England is not used to. Going from Tom Brady to Mac Jones, the team has relied on strong pocket passers. But Daniels has the arm strength while also being able to get out of the pocket and scramble for yards.
During his final season at LSU, Daniels finished with 236 completions for 3,812 passing yards and 40 passing touchdowns. On the rushing side, he had 135 carries for 1,134 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns.
Alex Van Pelt has experience working with a mobile quarterback, having been with the Cleveland Browns and Deshaun Watson prior to coming to New England.
So having Van Pelt and Daniels working together could be the recipe for success that the Patriots need.
Drake Maye
His first year as a starter in 2022, Maye threw for 4,321 yards and 38 touchdowns, leading UNC to a 9-5 record overall. He was the named the ACC Player of the Year, ACC Offensive Player of the Year, and ACC Rookie of the year that season.
And he followed it up with an impressive performance during the 2023 season, recording 3,608 yards and 24 touchdowns. UNC finished the season with an 8-4 record.
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