Patriots Send Big Scouting Contingent to Evaluate Surprise Rookie QB
By Cem Yolbulan
Since the official start of free agency on Monday, all 32 NFL teams have understandably honed in on re-signing their own players and acquiring new talent. This has been no different for the New England Patriots. However, there is also the 2024 Draft creeping up. The NFL calendar really is 365 days.
For a young, rebuilding team like the Patriots, the draft is even more important than free agency. New England is trying to find their next franchise quarterback, as well as putting him in a position to succeed with solid protection and weapons. With only six weeks left to the draft, the Patriots are doing their homework as the pro-day cycle is in full swing.
On Tuesday, the Patriots' top brass will be at the University of Oregon for the Ducks' pro day. Their primary focus: the quarterback prospect Bo Nix.
Patriots Scouting Top QB Prospect Bo Nix Ahead of NFL Draft
Day 2 of the legal negotiating period in free agency, but also a significant one on the draft front: Oregon pro day, with QB Bo Nix, and the Patriots are expected to have four staffers in attendance:
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) March 12, 2024
🏈 QBs coach T.C. McCartney
🏈 College scouting director Camren Williams
🏈…
It is almost a guarantee that the Patriots are going to select a new signal-caller with their No. 3 overall pick at the draft. They already parted ways with Mac Jones and signed Jacoby Brissett as a mentor.
The top three quarterbacks in the class are seen as Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, and Jayden Daniels. The assumption was that the Patriots would draft the one remaining at three.
However, considering that the team is sending a large contingent of four high-level staffers to watch Bo Nix, that decision may not be as set in stone as previously thought.
Nix, fresh off a stellar year with the Ducks with an incredible 77.45 completion percentage, 45 touchdowns, and three interceptions, is generally seen as a late first-round prospect on most big boards. If the Patriots indeed decide that the 24-year-old is their franchise quarterback, they would presumably consider trading down from their draft position and acquire more assets in the process.
Regardless of what the Patriots decide to do in free agency and the draft, a long, rebuilding process awaits them. They are not expected to be competitive as FanDuel Sportsbook has their odds of winning the AFC East at a whopping +1700. Head over to FanDuel and claim your sign-up bonus if you want to back the Pats ahead of next season.
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