Patriots reportedly spending significant time with surprise mid-round QB

The New England Patriots possess their highest draft pick since 2008, but it might not be high enough for them to draft one of the top quarterback prospects.

After all, the top five figure to be off the board within the first dozen selections and they hold the No. 15 overall pick.

The sheer quantity of conflicting rumors engulfing the Patriots are driving fans insane, and the latest suggest they’ve had conversations with Carolina about acquiring the No. 8 overall pick, which they would presumably use to draft Justin Fields or the top remaining quarterback.

As compelling as that sounds for the fan base, however, the Patriots aren’t going to sanction a trade of that magnitude if it means mortgaging their future draft capital, kind of like what the 49ers did to move up nine spots to No. 3 overall.

With that in mind, it shouldn’t be surprising that New England is doing its due diligence on some middle-round gunslingers.

In fact, according to NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero, the Patriots “recently spent a lot of time” chatting with Stanford standout Davis Mills.

The Patriots seem intrigued by Stanford quarterback Davis Mills.

Another rumor linking the Patriots to a surprise move? Just what the doctor ordered with draft night a little over 24 hours away. In all seriousness, it’s easy to see why the Patriots are seemingly intrigued by the idea of drafting Mills in the second or third round.

The Stanford product, who was once the top quarterback recruit in the country, has the prototypical size, arm strength and upside any team would want in a prospect.

It’s definitely concerning that knee injuries limited him to just 14 games in college, as his inexperience often led to ill-advised throws. However, as long as the Patriots are confident his injuries won’t linger and feel that his decision-making process can be remedied over time, he’d be a fantastic middle-round pick.

In recent weeks, Davis has garnered some buzz as a late first-round pick for teams who could move off their current quarterbacks within the next year or two — which is likely how long he needs until he’s ready to start in the NFL — but it would still be shocking if a franchise reached on him that early.

Bottom line? Davis has all the tools at his disposal to become a successful NFL quarterback, and the Patriots’ reported lengthy Zoom call with him proves he could be their top backup plan if they come up short in their efforts to draft one of Justin Fields, Trey Lance or Mac Jones.

Here’s why Patriots should select Davis Mills over first-round quarterback

Here's why the Patriots should select Davis Mills in the middle rounds over taking a quarterback in the first round of the NFL Draft.