The New England Patriots need a new face of the franchise for the first time in two decades. As the 2020 NFL Draft draws closer, expectations are building that the Patriots will find their quarterback in the draft.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport told The Rich Eisen Show, that the Patriots are firmly in the mix to land a quarterback in the 2020 NFL Draft. While it might not come at the No. 23 overall selection, the team is likely to spend a top pick on a quarterback for the future.
“The Patriots are going to take a quarterback, probably with a premium pick,” Rapoport said, via The Rich Eisen Show. I would just imagine it’s not at a pick they currently have.”
Bill Belichick reportedly loves one of this year’s top quarterback prospects, but landing him would require trading up into the top-10 picks. Given New England doesn’t own a second-round pick this year, that kind of move would likely require sending multiple first-round picks.
The Patriots could also take a look at Utah State quarterback Jordan Love. He is one of the most polarizing prospects in this year’s draft class, with many teams doing extensive work evaluating him. There is a notable split on him, though, with some evaluators viewing him as a first-round talent and others that believe he is a Day 3 pick.
New England could also trade down from the No. 23 overall pick, allowing a team like the Baltimore Ravens or Green Bay Packers to jump up for a top linebacker. In that case, the Patriots might acquire a second-round pick and could then take a quarterback like Love or Jalen Hurts later in the first round.
It’s also worth noting that Belichick loves Jarrett Stidham, but Rapoport notes that the team isn’t completely sure how he will play this season. It’s why they signed Brian Hoyer, who Rapoport notes could begin the season as the team’s starting quarterback.
The Patriots are always a mystery during the NFL Draft and that will be even more true this year. Belichick has his opportunity to find his next franchise quarterback and it seems like he believes that player could be available this year.