For the last few seasons, the New England Patriots have only carried two quarterbacks. With Tom Brady, one quality backup will do. However, the Patriots are realizing that Brady will not play forever. The quarterback is not retiring any time soon, but grooming his replacement is certainly a necessity in the coming years. 2014 has the perfect draft to do so as it is considered deep at the position. With Ryan Mallett being the apple of a other team's eyes, do the Patriots pick someone up this season?
The Patriots are normally very quiet when it comes to their draft plans, but this year NFL sources have been able to find out who the team has been bringing in giving hints at what direction they are looking to go in. New England has spent most of their time looking at the best wide receivers in this year's draft. NFL.com is predicting they take someone like Odell Beckham Jr or Marqise Lee in the first round. However, they are also taking a serious look at multiple quarterbacks, raising a few eyebrows.
The Patriots have Mallett and despite never having played in a regular season game, his stock is high. Plenty of teams searching for a possible 2014 starter will look to the Patriots if the backup is truly available. Everyone from the Boston Herald to ESPN.com is reporting that the Patriots will gladly trade the quarterback at the right price which could mean more draft picks in later rounds or future years, something the Patriots are famous for acquiring.
Who is interested? The Oakland Raiders would love to get their hands on a quarterback that has played behind Brady. The Minnesota Vikings are an option considering Matt Cassel will be done in a season and Christian Ponder is not an option. Even the Houston Texans could be a favorite to land the quarterback considering Bill O'Brien's experience in him and the way he has been coached.
The Patriots have brought in everyone from Johnny Manziel to Aaron Murray for a visit. The team is not taking a quarterback in the first round, but could start to get interested around Round Three depending on who is available. According to Tajh Boyd who spoke with ESPN, he believes the Patriots are very interested in him as does AJ McCarron. Zach Mettenberger has also paid a visit to Foxboro.
With interest high in the potential of Mallett, do not put it past the Patriots to make a move. Considering thy can draft his replacement this year, why not gain more picks to have more future options?
