One NFL Draft expert believes if given the chance, New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick could completely makeover his team’s quarterback room at the April event.
The 2022 NFL season delivered some very disappointing results for the New England Patriots on the offensive side of the ball. After showing signs of serious upside in his rookie season, year two for QB Mac Jones was the polar opposite after offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels departed to become the head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders.
With Matt Patricia and Joe Judge sharing the offensive coordinator responsibilities, the unit was inefficient, ineffective, and a general mess last season. It led to a bid seasons quarterback controversy and growing issues between Jones and Belichick after the young signal-caller publicly aired his opinions on the offense’s struggles in 2022.
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Since the season ended, there have been various reports suggesting the New England Patriots head coach would like to move on from Jones, including rumors that he has been aggressively shopping him over the last month. If Belichick is looking to take a new direction with the QB position, the NFL Draft could offer him some opportunities.
New England Patriots record (2022): 8-9, third place in AFC East
On Tuesday, during an appearance on the NFL Network, NFL Media draft expert Lance Zierlein spoke about the event that takes place later this month, and offered up a unique scenario for the New England Patriots, if divisive draft prospect Anthony Richardson fell to the team’s pick at 14th overall.
“How about Anthony Richardson behind Bailey Zappe? With Mac moved on either draft day or after draft day. … I don’t think it’s just smoke that Mac Jones was unhappy in New England and Bill Belichick was unhappy with Mac Jones. And if he’s not happy; if there’s one guy who can surprise you in any given draft it’s Bill Belichick. And if Anthony Richardson were there, and he could play him behind Bailey Zappe, and move Mac Jones for say a second-round pick, I’m not sure that he wouldn’t do that.”
– Lance Zierlein
Florida star Anthony Richardson is a player with projections and draft grades that are all over the board. Some consider him to be the most talented signal-caller in the NFL Draft, while others believe he shouldn’t be selected in the opening round.