NFL Combine week has arrived as top college players will be showcasing their skills throughout the weekend in Indianapolis.
Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel is in attendance for the weekend, as he will get a closer look at this year's draft class. New England has a talent issue outside of Drake Maye and Christian Gonzalez, as they will look to improve the roster in Aprils draft as well as free agency.
Outside of the Vrabel hire, the talk of the offseason up to this point has been speculation around the future of this Patriots backup quarterback.
Patriots News: Mike Vrabel Leaves Door Open for Joe Milton III Offseason Trade
Joe Milton III left Patriots Nation feeling even more optimistic about the team's quarterback room following the Week 18 win over the Bills.
In the season finale, Milton III completed 22 of 29 passes for 241 yards and a touchdown pass to Kayshon Boutte, another young bright spot in the Patriots offense. The former Tennessee Volunteer also rushed for a touchdown against Buffalo.
As it was great to see Milton III perform well, Drake Maye is still the future of this Patriots team, as Vrabel and company will look to build on his rookie campaign. Establishing the offensive line and adding proven pass-catchers alongside Maye will certainly help.
The quarterback room behind Maye will likely see Jacoby Brissett depart this offseason, leaving Milton III as the only other rostered signal-caller.
Mike Vrabel spoke at the NFL Combine about Milton III's Week 18 performance and how he plans to strengthen this Patriots roster heading into next season.
"I would say that anything that we could do within reason to strengthen our roster we would have to entertain - outside of I would say of a few players."Mike Vrabel
Vrabel went on to praise Milton III for his performance and ability to capitalize on opportunity, something the Patriots roster didn't do much of last season.
Circling back to Vrabel's comments, the list of "few players" would certainly include franchise cornerstones Drake Maye and Christian Gonzalez.
Given the Patriots' plan to build around Maye as their quarterback of the future, it would be wise to look into trading Milton III. His trade value will never be higher as a 24-year-old who impressed both in the preseason and in finishing the season.
Milton III is a dual-threat QB who possesses a great deal of arm strength and an ability to make plays happen off-script.
Many teams have question marks at their quarterback position heading into the offseason, as Vrabel has left the door open for a potential Milton III trade to acquire draft capital. If a trade isn't done, New England would still be in good hands, with Milton III backing up Maye.
The bottom line is that the Patriots should explore all of their options when it comes to Milton III. Shipping the second-year QB off for a mid-round draft pick would allow New England to improve their roster in other areas of need.
The NFL Draft Combine runs from February 27th-March 2nd at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.