This Patriots Player Is The Reason New England Didn’t Draft A QB In 2020

The New England Patriots were ready to make a move in the 2020 NFL Draft with their 23^rd overall pick. However, Joe Burrow, Tua Tagovailoa, and Justin Herbert were already selected. Head coach Bill Belichick and director of player personnel Nick Caserio could go with Jordan Love, Jalen Hurts, Jacob Eason, and Jake Fromm. Expert draft analysts ranked these players as top-50 selections. But, the Patriots didn’t draft a QB.

Instead of selecting a QU, Belichick traded out of the first round. Many thought that the Patriots would decide to go with a quarterback. They lost Tom Brady, remember? Why didn’t they get a quarterback?

The Patriots have Jarrett Stidham.

“People around the league can’t help but think of some great Patriots conspiracy that they’ll trade up for a quarterback,” an AFC pro scout said. “First it was Baker [Mayfield], then it was Tua. Spoiler alert: They really like Stidham.”

The Patriots didn’t want to draft a QB

In late February, people talked that New England was getting ready for their post-Brady era. One agent said that the Patriots “like the guy they have.”

Right after Brady’s departure, the Patriots signed Brian Hoyer. He could in no way take Stidham’s spot on the roster. He could also teach young players.

Every move New England made suggested that they’d turn the keys of the team over to No. 4. Joe Thuney. New England selected two tight ends and kept a veteran secondary together while passing on expensive linebackers. They are saving the money for free agents in 2021 and 2022.

“They really believe in him,” said another pro personnel scout. “The rumor was that Belichick, Caserio and Josh [McDaniels] think they can win with Stidham on a rookie contract.”

Is Stidham that good? Many said that Stidham was better than Jordan Love as a prospect, adding that he would have ranked as the No. 3 or 4 quarterbacks in the 2020 class. This comes right behind Joe Burrow and Tua Tagovailoa.

“Let’s not forget that after his junior season the kid looked like a first-rounder, then Auburn ruined him in ’18 with that terrible supporting cast,” said an SEC area scout. 

It turns out that the Patriots like what they have.