First in a series looking at how the Patriots could fill need positions in the NFL Draft on April 26-28.
The time has come for the Patriots to find the heir to Tom Brady — again.
Four years ago, the team struck gold by selecting Jimmy Garoppolo in the second round. The plan worked almost perfectly as he was ready to take the reins when Brady retired. The problem is Brady isn't ready to retire and was named NFL MVP last [...]
First in a series looking at how the Patriots could fill need positions in the NFL Draft on April 26-28.
The time has come for the Patriots to find the heir to Tom Brady — again.
Four years ago, the team struck gold by selecting Jimmy Garoppolo in the second round. The plan worked almost perfectly as he was ready to take the reins when Brady retired. The problem is Brady isn't ready to retire and was named NFL MVP last season.
Now Garoppolo is in San Francisco and Brian Hoyer is the Patriots' backup.
With both Brady and Hoyer under contract for the next two seasons, it would make sense to select another quarterback and bring him along slowly. Considering Brady turns 41 in August, the clock is ticking.
This won’t be easy. The Patriots drafted Jacoby Brissett in the third round two years ago, but he was traded when he wasn’t in their plans. Brissett isn’t the first quarterback to not work out, joining former third-round picks Kevin O’Connell and Ryan Mallett.
The Patriots currently hold seven picks, here’s a look at some candidates:
First-round candidate: Lamar Jackson, Louisville
The 2016 Heisman Trophy winner threw for 3,660 yards and 27 touchdowns last year. Jackson’s not the most accurate quarterback (57 percent for his career), but has a strong arm to go with elite athleticism (1,601 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns last year). Louisville runs a similar offense to the Patriots. Nick Caserio was at Jackson’s Pro Day.
Second-round candidate: Kyle Lauletta, Richmond
Lauletta has connections to Navy, where his father and uncle played, and played lacrosse, so there are some favorable ties with Bill Belichick. One of the top FCS quarterbacks, he threw for 3,737 yards and 28 touchdowns. He’s drawn comparisons to Garoppolo. Lauletta met with Patriots scouts and the Pats were at his Pro Day.
Third-round candidate: Luke Falk, Washington State
Falk has great size (6-4) and a quick and accurate release. He set several Pac-12 records in his career (completions, completion percentage, passing yards and touchdowns). A former walk-on, Falk threw for 3,593 yards and 30 touchdowns last year, which was a down season for him. Falk met with the Patriots at the Senior Bowl.
Fourth-round candidate: Logan Woodside, Toledo
Undersized at 6-2, Woodside is said to be an accurate passer who makes good decisions when he throws. He threw for 3,882 yards and 28 touchdowns last year. He completed 65.1 percent of his passes in college. Woodside met with a Patriots scout at the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl and Caserio was at his Pro Day
Sixth-round candidate: Chase Litton, Marshall
At 6-6, Litton has great size to go with a solid arm (21 straight games with a touchdown). He threw for 3,115 yards and 25 touchdowns last year, but also had 14 interceptions. A three-year starter, he’s entering the draft a year early. Patriots were at Litton's Pro Day.
Seventh-round candidate: Chad Kanoff, Princeton
Kanoff signed with Vanderbilt before backing out and signing with Princeton. The 6-4 Kanoff set an Ivy League record by completing 73.2 percent of his passes last year. He threw for 3,474 yards and 29 touchdowns as a senior. Assistant quarterbacks coach Jerry Schuplinski reportedly put Kanoff through a private workout. The Pats were also at his Pro Day.