ESPN analyst Mina Kimes thinks the Justin Fields-Patriots talk is out of wack
By Jerry Trotta
The New England Patriots surprised some fans when they re-signed Cam Newton to a one-year contract in free agency.
Though it’s clear he was brought back to be the starter, subsequent reports indicated that they were still in the mix for a quarterback.
Then, Newton’s contract details surfaced and it became abundantly clear that the Patriots weren’t putting all of their eggs in his basket.
With time running out to add a veteran, New England might be compelled to draft their potential gunslinger of the future. Slated with the No. 15 overall pick, however, they would likely have to trade up several picks in order to do so.
Well, in his latest mock draft, ESPN expert Todd McShay predicted that the Patriots would move up to No. 11 and select Justin Fields, which would be an absolute heist given how highly some scouts rate the young signal caller.
Given the unlikelihood of Fields slipping that far, ESPN analyst Mina Kimes responded to the rumors during the latest edition of “NFL Live” and went as far as to say that the league should open an investigation if the Patriots end up with the Ohio State product.
https://twitter.com/minakimes/status/1378091214507974656?s=20
ESPN analyst Mina Kimes offered her take on the Justin Fields-Patriots rumors.
As much as fans would love it if the Patriots landed Fields, they’d be hard-pressed to disagree with the absurdity of him falling outside of the top 10. It’s duly noted that teams often draft based on fit rather than the “best player available” mindset, especially when it comes to quarterbacks.
However, considering how many teams ahead of the Patriots are in need of a gunslinger, it would be downright shocking if the former Buckeye was available at No. 11 overall. That’s essentially what Kimes was implying here and she, to her credit, was spot on.
Things would obviously have to break in New England’s favor for them to pull off such a blockbuster move, but there’s hope in the fact that Mac Jones, who was long viewed as a perfect fit for the Pats, is being heavily linked to the 49ers, who hold the third pick.
On top of that, Bill Belichick’s moves thus far this offseason prove he isn’t messing around. If the de facto general manager is sold on Fields, what evidence is there to suggest that he wouldn’t bend over backwards to ensure he drafts him?
Still, Kimes’ analysis should further remind fans that the likelihood of the Patriots lucking into Fields are extremely slim, so they shouldn’t necessarily be going into draft night expecting the team to come out the other side with the QB donning a New England cap.
