Slayton told hosts Alex Marvez and Gil Brandt, via NESN. “I think people should know that Jarrett is one of the hardest-working football players I’ve ever been around, He’s truly a student of the game, and I think that’s why he’s going to have a chance to be a really good quarterback for the Patriots because I know he’s going to put the time in."
Now that could be just a friend wishing another luck. However, one of Stidham's current teammates is already talking about how much time and devotion he's putting in. Rex Burkhead recently opened up about The young gun under center.
Burkhead told OMF "Last year, even though he didn’t step on the field that much, just seeing his improvement every day on the practice field, in meetings, He’s a very humble guy and he came in eager to work right away and picked it up so quickly. I think that’s what struck me is how quickly he picked up the offense from the get-go. He’s out there making calls, making adjustments in audibles like he has been in this system for a while. And so I’m excited for him. Excited for his opportunity. Whoever is at quarterback, whether it’s him, Hoy (Brian Hoyer) or whoever, just ready to follow them.”
The Patriots have one of the most complicated and in depth offensive playbooks around. For Stidham to have learned it during his first year is impressive and will allow for McDaniels to open up the playbook. It also levels the playing field a little more between him and Hoyer. The only thing Hoyer has going for him is experience.
Slayton wasn't done praising the former Auburn quarterback. “The arm and all that stuff, you know, that’s all God-given. He’s got that already. I think the separator that makes Tom Brady great is putting the time in and having the knowledge, and I think Jarrett is cut from that same kind of cloth.”
No matter how much knowledge Stidham has, no matter how good his work ethic is; what matters is can he produce. Stidham looked good in the 2019 preseason but didn't look so good when he relieved Brady during the regular season.
In fact the Patriots signed Cody Kessler which was believed to of been because of Stidham's progression. If only there was a way to.judge how well Stidham did during practice in 2019. Wait, I think there is. Devin McCourty came out and said the following about Stidham earlier this spring.
As scout team QB last year, Stidham sometimes “ate up” the Patriots No. 1 ranked defense in practice, Devin McCourty said recently; according to Christopher Smith
We should crown Stidham the next 'goat' but we shouldn't label him as a bust yet either. Stidham has yet to take one meaningful snap in the NFL. His time versus the Jets doesn't count. Yes he threw an Interception during his rookie year. So what, Peyton Manning threw 28 his rookie year.
The draft process is far from perfect. We have seen quarterbacks be said to be the 'next great quarterback' after good college careers, get taken first overall and turn in to busts and be out of the NFL in less than three seasons. We have also seen day three quarterbacks build hall of fame or near hall of fame careers.
Before the Patriots "tank for Trevor", how bout they "See what you got in Stidham." Don't throw away a potential franchise quarterback for a potential boom or bust next year.
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