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New England Patriots Are Unlikely to Draft a Quarterback

By Nick Ziegler

Apr 3, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady throws out the first pitch before the game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 3, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady throws out the first pitch before the game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /
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ESPN recently released their projections for teams that either will or won’t draft a quarterback. Which side did the New England Patriots land on?

Coming into the 2017 NFL Draft, the New England Patriots have a great situation at quarterback. Leading the way is arguably the greatest quarterback of all-time in Tom Brady.

Brady is coming off of one of the best seasons of his career despite closing in on 40-years-old. In 2016, Brady totaled 28 passing touchdowns and just two interceptions. That excellent ratio set a new NFL record for a single season.

In addition to Brady, the Patriots also have Jimmy Garoppolo and Jacoby Brissett on the team. Last season, both Garoppolo and Brissett were able to win games as starters when Brady was suspended. Garoppolo is the better of the two and has been frequently mentioned as a player that could be traded this offseason.

In ESPN’s list, Mike Reiss notes that it is highly unlikely that the Patriots will use a draft pick on a quarterback. Here’s what Reiss had to say.

"The Patriots have Tom Brady (contract through 2019), Jimmy Garoppolo (2017) and Jacoby Brissett (2019) on the depth chart, and they won’t draft a quarterback who wouldn’t project to be on the active roster. The team usually carries only two quarterbacks but will be happy to carry three in 2017 given Garoppolo’s promise and value as a high-end insurance policy. The outside chance exists they use a seventh-round pick on a signal-caller with the practice squad in mind, but even that seems like a long shot. — Mike Reiss"

One of the things that could change this is if the Patriots do trade Garoppolo. As of now, things have been quiet on the rumor mill regarding Garoppolo. However, that could all change with a phone call.

Next: Patriots Seven-Round Mock Draft

If the Patriots were to trade Garoppolo, they might entertain using one of their picks on a quarterback. Unless that happens, don’t expect to see the Patriots use any of their picks on a quarterback this season.

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