New England Patriots: 4 Risers and Fallers From Patriots OTAs
Jimmy Garoppolo, QB: Faller
Despite numerous trade rumors throughout the offseason, Jimmy Garoppolo hasn’t had the spring most would’ve expected. The fourth-year passer started two games for New England in 2016, throwing for 502 yards and four touchdowns. Bearing an unforeseen injury, Garoppolo won’t have to worry about starting the Patriots 2017 season.
According to Mark Daniels, Garoppolo wasn’t on par with his fellow quarterbacks when the team started minicamp last week:
Tom Brady looked great during 11v11s. Jimmy Garoppolo did not. Weather didn't help him, but that didn't deter Brady. Brissett looks improved
— Mark Daniels (@ByMarkDaniels) June 6, 2017
Doug Kyed also noted Garoppolo’s lackluster performance in his article ‘Seven Issues The Patriots Still Have To Solve After Three-Day Minicamp’:
"“Jimmy Garoppolo looked better last spring. In this minicamp, he completed just 55 percent of his passes in team drills, with two interceptions, and he was 17-of-40 in 11-on-11 drills. It would be a stretch to say Garoppolo struggled, but he was expected to take another giant step forward this spring, and he hasn’t thus far.” – Doug Kyed (@DougKyed)"
According to Mike Reiss, Garoppolo was limited during Tuesday’s OTA due to a leg injury:
Jimmy Garoppolo limited in practice. Appears to be minor leg-related injury. Rode bike while teammates ran. Didn't take regular QB reps.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) June 13, 2017
Next: 7 Standouts From Patriots Minicamp
New England won’t ship Garoppolo to Cleveland because he didn’t turn heads in minicamp but a better showing over the summer could be beneficial as he enters the final year of his contract.