New England Patriots: Another Tom Brady successor you’ve never heard of

The New England Patriots have a legendary QB already, but here’s why they should plan the future around another proven winner.

This offseason, there has been talk about who will succeed legendary quarterback Tom Brady for the New England Patriots.

As early back as November even I suggested that the lesser known Bo Levi Mitchell be considered. Though recently, there’s been a lot of talk about trading for Josh Rosen or drafting Duke’s Daniel Jones. This seems reasonable given that neither Kyler Murray, Drew Lock, or Dwayne Haskins will be available by the time the Patriots draft at pick No. 32 or later.

But there’s one QB who may.

And much like Mitchell, he too has won championships at other levels.

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North Dakota State’s Easton Stick has an odd name and comes from the heartland, but he is a proven winner. During his tenure at NDSU, the former home of Carson Wentz, Stick has won three national championships, including two as the starter. He likely could have had three if Wentz had not returned from injury to play in the national title game in the 2015 season. Known as a dual-threat quarterback, Stick averaged over 200 yards in total offense throughout his career at NDSU.

By the end of his senior season, he had become the university’s all-time leader in wins, boasting a 49-3 record as a starter.

Similarly, he finished his college career as NDSU’s career record holder for passing yards (8,693), passing touchdowns (88), total offense yards (11,216), yards per game (203.9), yards per play (7.97) and touchdowns responsible for (129).

If you’re still not convinced with his college statistics, and want to know how he did at the combine, then keep reading. A few weeks ago in Indianapolis, Stick beat out all of the wide receivers and tight ends in cone time. He also ran a 4.62 40-yard dash, the third-best of all quarterbacks.

Some still wonder if he has the size and arm strength to play quarterback at the NFL level, or if he may end up playing slot receiver like Julian Edelman. He had better numbers than Carson Wentz in college and he went No. 2 overall If I am the Patriots, I take a shot at him.

It’s likely that Stick won’t be taken in the first round, so he could be available with either New England Patriots pick in the second round.

We all know that Bill Belichick adores draft value, so why not add a proven winner who most will overlook?