New England Patriots: Kyle Lauletta is a reason for Bill Belichick to smile

If all predictions are correct, the New England Patriots should draft Richmond quarterback Kyle Lauletta in the NFL draft for no other reason than what he has in common with Bill Belichick.

There is a lot to like about NFL draft prospect Kyle Lauletta, especially if you are New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick.

Not only is he a talented quarterback on the field, he has some off-the-field connections that definitely are an interest of Belichick. As Pro Football Weekly’s Eric Edholm wrote following the Senior Bowl back in January, both Lauletta’s father and uncle played football Navy and he has also played the sport of lacrosse.

If you are a diehard fan of the Patriots, you know those are two of the things that really make Bill Belichick smile.

"“I was a big lacrosse guy, absolutely,” Lauletta said, via Edholm. “For a while I thought I might enjoy playing that in college. I just enjoy football more. I think it’s a better team sport. But I’ve always grown up a lacrosse guy. My dad was an All-American in high school. My uncle played in college.”"

Music to Belichick’s ear and one of the primary reasons football gurus are connecting Lauletta to the Patriots. But, there are other factors that make the 6-foot-3, 222-pound quarterback a dream player for the Patriots head coach.

No, it is not that he models his game after Tom Brady, like some of the other quarterback prospects in the draft. It is more because of the similar intangibles he has to Jimmy Garappolo, a player Belichick admittedly adored.

Playing at a small school, Kyle Lauletta is not as known as a Baker Mayfield or Josh Allen, but he has shown signs that he can be successful at the NFL level with the right coaching and grooming.

A team leader with room for improvement

Along with the fact that he has seemingly come out of nowhere, named second-team FCS All-American and CAA offensive player of the year as a senior, Lauletta dazzled at the Senior Bowl winning MVP honors.

More from Chowder and Champions

In that game he completed 8-of-12 passes for 198 yards and three touchdowns. Numbers aside, he showcased a leadership that can translate onto the right NFL team. As far as his strengths go, he is definitely someone Josh McDaniels can work with similar to the way he molded Garoppolo.

Here is what NFL.com wrote about Lauletta:

"“Production saw major spike over the last two seasons. Uses eyes to move linebackers out of his passing lanes on slants and curls. Won’t automatically dump throws down to backs. Willing to let route combinations progress while climbing and sliding away from heat. Has experience from shotgun, pistol and under center. Footwork is smooth in play-action and setup. Comfortable throwing on the move. Gets it out early on timing throws. Spins a tight spiral. Able to throw accurately to intermediate targets on the move.”"

Projected as fifth-round pick initially, Lauletta’s stock is certainly rising after his Senior Bowl performance and what he has shown at the NFL Combine last week.

Although quarterbacks like Luke Falk and Mason Rudolph present more intriguing options for the New England Patriots as far as where they will be selecting, Lauletta might be better positioned to learn under Tom Brady for a couple of years because of those strengths described above.

In my opinion, he is the perfect mix of both Brady and Garoppolo. Add to that what he has in common with Bill Belichick and it would appear to be a match made in heaven.

Next: New England Patriots: 3 NFL draft prospects team should target

We’ll see though. Knowing the New England Patriots, they will pass on all the quarterbacks in the draft. That wouldn’t be a wise decision with a 40-year-old quarterback and the amount of talent in this draft.

Home/New England Patriots