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Friday, March 15, 2024

The Patriots Have Closed Holes And Can Build From The Draft

The Patriots have made some moves in free agency. And at the very least, it has changed the priority of some of their needs. The team still needs a quarterback, X receiver and free safety but otherwise the team is not in as much need as it was a few weeks ago. They could add a few more pieces but the team looks ready for the draft.

At quarterback the team has Jacoby Brisset. I like Brisset but unless he gets lucky, he's at most a three year starter. I do have a rookie quarterback list and think the team will Draft and sit a quarterback for the 2024 season.

At running back the Patriots have Stevenson returning and they have Kevin Harris. With the addition of Gibson, they have a solidified backfield. They really don't need to draft a big name back and might bring in someone to compete with Harris.

At Receiver the Patriots have Bourne as the starting Z and have Douglas as the starting Slot. They have Reagor, Thorton and Schuster as depth. Matthew Slater is gone and both Thorton and Reagor should double as special teamers, so the team needs to add a starting X.

(UPDATE: The Patriots signed Osborn who can play the X, giving them more depth at the position.)

The Patriots brought back Henry and signed Hooper. They have Pettway who is just a big body receiver and could use a inline tight end. As Pettway will end up on the practice squad.

The team drafted heavy at interior offensive line in 2023 and should have all the depth they need there. They re-signed Onwenu and Wheatley, and brought in two players with starting experience that should be at the very least spot starters and reliable backups in Leverett and Okorafor. If Wheatley is ready, the Patriots may not need to sign anymore offensive linemen and can instead draft a developmental tackle late in the draft.

On offense, I'm also thinking the Patriots need to bring in a person who can play fullback whether that be a running back or and Hback tight end. I like Buchanan from Army and Glascoe from Long Island as long shot sleepers for the Patriots to fill that role. 

On defense the Patriots signed Takitaki at linebacker and Watts at nose tackle. They brought back Uche, Jennings, and Ellis. The team still needs an outside corner, even if it's to compete with Alex Austin. They should also bring in a free safety, even if they plan on moving Johnathan Jones to free safety. The defense is pretty much set outside of those two positions.

As for special teams, the Patriots should look to bring in a udfa kicker and long snapper to compete for the positions. I get that they just drafted a kicker but they did not get the production they should have and Cardona is over the average career span for a long snapper, so it doesn't hurt to give him competition.
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Wednesday, February 28, 2024

Ten Quarterbacks The Patriots Could Target From The 2024 Draft Class

There's a long list of quarterback prospects in the 2024 NFL draft class. One would think we could count those that could fit for the Patriots on one hand if we listen to most talking heads. However, I have found ten quarterbacks that could be part of the Patriots organization heading into the preseason. Here they are with a list of scouting report. Note that I am limiting the prospects to only 10 reports, although with someone of them, I read a lot more than 10. Since Daniels is first, I am going with the first 10 sites that pop up for him that I read for all the reports for all the prospects if possible.

Jayden Daniels, LSU
6'4" 210, Age 23, Senior 

Bo Nix, Oregon
6'2", 217, age 24, senior

Michael Penix Jr, Washington
6'3" 213, age 23, red shirt senior 

J.J. McCarthy, Michigan
6'3" 202, age 21, Jr

Michael Pratt, Tulane
6'3" 220, age 22, Junior 

Spencer Rattler, South Carolina
6'1" 217, age 23, senior

Sam Hartman, Notre Dame
6'1" 212, age 24, senior 

Carter Bradley, South Alabama
6'3" 216, age 23, senior

Davius Richard, NC Central
6'3" 220, age 22, senior

Parker Mckinney, Eastern Kentucky
6'3" 208, age N/A, red shirt senior

Now of course we cannot exclude Evan Lazar. Here is his take on some of the quarterbacks in this class.

Whether it's a starter or a backup that can spot start, the guys in this list should be on the Patriots draft board. Where they're ranked is another story. Ten possible prospects here that should thrive in AVP's offense 
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Thursday, February 22, 2024

The Patriots Staff Is Complete Or Is It?

The Patriots have their coaching staff and I think they're two assistants short. There are a few hold overs from the 2023 staff but for the most part it's an all new staff. 

On offense they have Offensive Coordinator Alex Van Pelt. His staff consists of the following:

Quarterbacks Coach: T.C. McCartney, Running Backs Coach: Tayler Embree, Wide Receivers Coach: Tyler Hughes, Tight Ends Coach: Bob Bicknell, Offensive Line Coach: Scott Peters, Senior Offensive Assistant: Ben McAdoo, Assistant Wide Receivers Coach: Tiquan Underwood, Assistant Offensive Line Coach: Robert Kugler, Offensive Coaching Assistant./ Quality Control: Michael McCarthy.

On offense I think the Patriots still need an assistant that can help develop the running backs and tight ends. Troy Brown is currently without a title. Making him the assistant running back coach and return game coach could help fill needed roles. McCarthy has experience with lineman and what are traditional tight ends but an extra tackle, so he could be Bicknell's understudy.

On defense they have Defensive Coordinator: DeMarcus Covington. His staff consists of:

Defensive Line Coach: Jerry Montgomery, Inside Linebackers Coach: Dont’a Hightower, Outside Linebackers Coach: Drew Wilkins, Cornerbacks Coach: Mike Pellegrino, Safeties Coach: Brian Belichick, Defensive Coaching Assistant / Quality Control: Vinny DePalma, Defensive Coaching Assistant / Quality Control: Jamael Lett.

Again, I think they need one assistant on defense maybe two. Realistically on defense there's the interior line, the edge, inside linebackers, corners and Safeties. They can merge one of the assistants as a DB coach, and they can merge one as a line or linebacker coach but they need to bring in a guy to do the other. I get Troy Brown is without title but they don't want him in defense.

The Special Teams Coordinator is: Jeremy Springer, who currently has the following staff.

Special Teams Assistant Coach: Tom Quinn, Special Teams Coaching Assistant / Quality Control: Coby Tippett.

When I think of special teams I think of the returners, the gunners/Defensive side of the return game, and the kicking/punting game. Maybe including the Coordinator, they have all three spots covered but Springer should be overseeing all three aspects. So they should have one more assistant here. Having Troy Brown who was has experience be a special teams assistant would make sense. Otherwise, They should bring in one more assistant. Maybe freshly retired Matthew Slater.

The team does have two strength and conditioning coaches. Those guys need to focus on the entire team and should not double as an assistant coach for either side of the ball.

Now I get not wanting to have people around with Nothing to do but I also get the staff size is to avoid the brain drain that has hurt the Patriots since Flores left. If the goal is to avoid a brain drain, they need two more assistants. 

James Devlin, Kevin Faulk, Brian Hoyer, Matthew Slater, and Vince Wilfork are the five guys that I think the team should be looking at for the staff as assistants as far as former Patriots go. Yes four of them are former offensive guys but the few defenders I would bring in are on TV and I don't see them coming back to coach. Maybe one of the McCourtys but that's a long shot.
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Wednesday, February 21, 2024

Mac Jones Isn't A Lock To Be Moved

Are the Patriots keeping Mac Jones? If you ask the typical echo chamber fan or media, Mac is a bum and is already gone. However, while the Patriots have not shown any smoke, there are some embers that they have kept warm that point to Mac returning on 2024.

The latest is Alex Van Pelt talking about the Patriots having a clean slate and informing some of the guys that they are clean with zero exceptions. And then he drops, "I talked with Mac Jones and informed him he has a clean slate."

There's two things with that. One it can be taken that there are no expectations for Mac to be the starter in 2024. At the same time he's being told he is forgiven for the past two years. All this implies that he will be allowed to compete for the job in 2024.

Go back to what Mayo said a few weeks ago. He basically said after hired that Mac is a good player and Bill screwed him up. He said that Mac was the first guy in and was putting in the work. 

We know that Mac was okay to be treaded and we know that he's a Kraft guy. We also know that The 49ers were supposed to take him but someone pulled rank to draft Lance in San Francisco. 

If the Patriots are keeping Mac, his play will be evaluated at a sophomore playing his third year but if they wanna extend him, there will be an urgency come week 10.

Whether the Patriots take a quarterback in the draft or sign a bridge guy, if they keep Mac, he will have to earn his job. And yes there are developmental starters that need a year to sit. 

Remember, nobody outside the organization knows anything. And what people outside professional teams think is the smart decision, often is not what is done. All we can do is wait and see. 
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Friday, February 9, 2024

Patriots Thoughts The Week Before The Superbowl.

There is a lot to think about concerning the Patriots during the week before the Super Bowl. So it took some time to get my thoughts out. I'm still surprised Kraft admitted to getting his hands dirty. We knew it with the Jimmy G. trade, but still. Anyway, here are some takeaways from what's going on in Patriots circles.
 
As far as the roster goes, take Daniels, keep Mac, and trade Zappe, or trade down, keep Mac, and wait until rounds three or four to draft a developmental quarterback that could possibly compete for the job and hang on to both Mac and Zappe.
 
I've been listening, and there seems to be a consensus that the Patriots can repair Mac if they choose. It's about getting his confidence up. The West Coast System is a great system for that, but again, the team has to want Mac back. If it were me, I'd be drafting a middle-round quarterback and telling Mac that either his backup or replacement is now on the roster. The job is his to lose, and the team is going to do everything to help him, but he's got to do it.
 
I believe it was Dan Orlovsky who said that if the Patriots don't love the quarterback at three, they should trade down, build the team, and run with Mac because either he's going to play badly to where they're in position to get a quarterback next draft or he plays well and the Patriots either have their quarterback or they have to trade bait to get their quarterback.
 
If Mac plays well enough, the Patriots could get either a late first or a second for Mac. Combine that with their 2025 first-round pick, and the Patriots could move up significantly in round one if Mac plays well in 2024 if they want to draft a quarterback. For me again, I think Daniels is the best passer in the 2024 draft, and if the Patriots don't love him, don't take a quarterback until the midway point.
 
Resign, Judon, and show you're willing to pay top talent. Draft a big body burner for the X because I don't see them getting the type of X they need in free agency.
 
The Patriots front office appears set; it just comes down to figuring out what people are doing, as far as those of us not in the building are concerned. I still wish they had a football operations guy that let the staff vote on things and was just there to be the tiebreaker vote, as like the VP is in the U.S. Senate.
 
The Patriots defensive coaching staff appears set. While they can still bring in assistant coaches, this is the staff. Defensive coordinator: DeMarcus Covington; defensive line: Jerry Montgomery; Linebackers: Dont'a Hightower; cornerbacks: Mike Pellegrino; and safety: Brian Belichick.
 
Now there's talk about splitting the linebackers again. If you're going to do that, just make the position the edge coach. I mean, when you read scouting reports and draft boards, so few respect defensive ends and outside linebackers anymore. They just label them edge guys, so create that on the staff.
 
On offense, there's still three positions to be filled, but they're getting guys that know each other. I see a conflict between MacAdoo and AVP coming, but the staff is coming together.
 
The staff so far is Offensive coordinator: Alex Van Pelt; Quarterbacks: T.C. McCartney; Offensive Line: Scott Peters; and Senior offensive assistant: Ben McAdoo. Three spots are still undecided. Running backs: TBD; wide receivers: TBD; tight ends: TBD.
 
Another thing to remember is that McVeigh runs a version of the West Coast. Even if AVP and McAdoo are used to an older version of the west coast, if Mayo says he wants a version closer to what the Rams run, while it won't be perfect, those two should be able to come close.
 
At the moment, Troy Brown is the acting receivers coach and could be retained. Kevin Faulk would be nice to see back if he could coach the way he played. And while Edgar Bennett's name is being thrown out for the receiver position, I'd like to see Tony Sorrentino interviewed for the job.
 
Jeremy Springer is the special teams coordinator, but it's likely that they will bring in an assistant. If he retires, I would like Matthew Slater to be offered the role. The team is likely to devote fewer players to special teams, so having a specialist come back and coach would be huge for developing the depth chart that has to do double duty.
 
Again, lots more are still too tall about the draft. Speaking of the draft, I have my draft board for those who are interested. I'm revising it as needed, but I have prospects for pretty much every position that could work with the Patriots. Some of the offensive players will be coming off, as I started compiling the list when the college deadline ended for people to declare. If you're interested, here's the link.
 
I guess it's now, "In Mayo, We Trust!"
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Kraft Got His Hands Dirty During The Fall Of The Dynasty

Robert Kraft's hands are dirty and he admits it. The Patriots have made questionable decisions over the past few years, going back to Jimmy G. How much we don't know but here's what Kraft said.

“I’ve actually tried to get us to sign players who maybe would’ve cost more but wouldn’t have been the right players or value. So, we always leave that to the people we assign the responsibility to," Robert Kraft

It was said that Robert Kraft was behind Jimmy G getting traded instead of Brady and it was said that Kraft was involved with AB getting cut. Those two things had impact on the Patriots. 

“We all know, long-term, we have to find a way — either Jarrett Stidham or someone new we bring in. This isn’t something where you get algebraic formulas. Think of all the personnel wizards who passed on six rounds for Tom Brady in 2000. No one knows what’s going to happen. We have to balance everything. Look, quarterback is the most important position on the team. We know that. One way or another we have to get that position solidified," Robert Kraft said in 2021.

In the summer of 2023, Ben Volin said,  "(The Krafts) are invested in Jones succeeding. Belichick, meanwhile, barely wants to say Jones’ name in public."

If Belichick and the front office had the power, why was there so much protection from the Krafts to keep Mac?

After the 2021 draft, Kraft said, "There were a lot of rumors that he was supposed to go No. 3. We feel very fortunate that he came to us and we're excited."

“Well, first of all, I’m amazed — he’s such a good person, and humble. … I come in there sometimes on the weekend, early, he’s there working out, watching film. Just doing things that I wouldn’t believe someone of his background would have that kind of commitment, given his past. And the guys in the locker room really like him — all the guys. … I actually believe he has a little more edge than we’ve seen. But he’s been respectful coming in as a rookie. So, I’m very high on him. I think we really, the staff did a great job drafting him. And we’re lucky to have him for our future, and this will be a good pick," said Robert Kraft in 2022.

When asked about drafting Mac Jones in the middle of the 2023 season, Bill Belichick said, “Organizationally, we thought it was the right thing to do." So Bill got asked again about the decision and said, “Collectively, we were all for that."

Belichick didn't claim ownership. He blamed the organization. It's true the Patriots didn't move up to get Mac but there were other players on the board. Furthermore, Stidham who some had a first or second round draft grade on, was still on the roster even though he didn't start in 2020.

The thing is Kraft admitted to meddling in the Patriots roster construction. And he stopped Belichick from trading Mac Jones. The speculation that he was behind drafting Mac Jones at 15, even though they didn't trade up has to be taken seriously with Kraft's latest spillage. 

Don't forget, Kraft ordered Belichick to sign Bill O'Brien. Every decision the Patriots have made since the Jimmy G trade was made needs to be scrutinized because that's when things started to come unglued in Foxboro. What decisions were Bill Belichick's and what belong to Robert Kraft? Robert Kraft may not get credit for building the dynasty but I have a feeling it's gonna come out that he deserves some credit for the fall.
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Thursday, February 1, 2024

Patriots Hire Alex Van Pelt To Be The Offensive Coordinator in 2024.

The Patriots hired Alex Van Pelt as the offensive coordinator. There seems to be confusion as to what tree he comes from. Personally, I liked the "Brady" offense but thought it needed to evolve and was hoping for Caley. But Van Pelt is supposed to be a west coast "Montana" offensive guy and if true, I can live with that.

Here's Van Pelt's exposure to offense:

At Pitt way back in his college days, he played under Paul Hackett who is of the Bill Walsh coaching tree for 3 seasons in the 80s. Hackett returned to Joe Montana in KC the same year Van Pelt got drafted. 

Van Pelt got drafted by the Steelers and spent time learning the Erhardt-Perkins offense, which is the "Brady" offense before getting released.

He then returned to Hackett in K.C. and studied the west coast offense under Joe Montana for part of his rookie season.

His first three seasons in Buffalo he learned under Tom Bresnahan who was from the Jim Shofner tree, Shofner who ran a modified version of thr Erhardt and west coast offenses. Bresnahan ran the no huddle K-Gun offense.

He learned under Dan Henning, who is from the Joe Gibbs coaching tree that spun out the Shanahan tree.

He had a few seasons under Joseph Pendry who ran a version of the Erhardt-Perkins offense.

He then got more experience in the west coast system for a season under Mike Sheppard.

His final two playing years were under Kevin Gilbride's version of an Erhardt-Perkins system.

As a player, Van Pelt got plenty of experience in both the West Coast and Erhardt-Perkins systems, with a year of the Shanahan west coast zone system sprinkled in.

His coach exposure:

For two seasons, Van Pelt learned from Steve Fairchild who was from Martz Air Coryell system and then Lubick's zone offense which is part of the Shanahan tree.

For a season, he learned from Turk Schonert who was from Sam Wyche's no huddle west coast offense tree.

Van Pelt spent a year running a version of the no huddle in his first stint as OC in 2009.

He learn Greg Olsen's offense who just seems to adapt his offense but seems to like power zone.

He learned Tom Clements's west coast system in Green Bay and then from a combination of the Air Coryall and West coast from Edgar Bennett.

In 2018 he got more experience in a west coast offense and in 2019 he got a year under the McVeigh system under Zac Taylor in Cincinnati.

And for the last 4 years he's learned the wide zone west coast under Kevin Stefanski.

As a coach he has been under the Air Coryell and various West Coast zone offenses.

Van Pelt's over all experience should allow him to mix in the old Patriots Erhardt-Perkins system with the West Coast and Air Coryell offensive systems. It will be interesting to see if Van Pelt brings in any of the no huddle offenses he's been exposed to as both a player and a coach. If Mayo is smart, he will allow Van Pelt to design an offense around everything he knows and not limit him to the McVeigh style west coast offense.
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Wednesday, January 31, 2024

First Patriots Big Board Of The 2024 Offseason.

Names come and go but February first seems like time to start listing names on a big board for the Patriots draft. The prospects were originally listed in order with help from the PFF simulator but PFF changed their order. Who and what the Patriots need is always debatable. Tackle, True X, Free Safety, Nose Tackle, and Third down receiving back are still the five positions I think they need the most.

I don't know if they need a new quarterback or if they need to actually develop Mac. I don't like any of the quarterbacks being taken before round three and I think Mac is a better passer then them all but I expect the Patriots to take one no later than round four, regardless of where I like them. Daniels is my top passers in the draft, even for AVP's system.

(Updated 4/16/24)

QB(10):
Bo Nix, Oregon
J.J. McCarthy, Michigan
Spencer Rattler, South Carolina
Sam Hartman, Notre Dame
Carter Bradley, South Alabama
Davius Richard, NC Central
Parker Mckinney, Eastern Kentucky 

RB/FB(29):
Jaylen Wright, Tennessee 
Blake Corum, Michigan 
Ray Davis, Kentucky
Will Shipley, Clemson
Braelon Allen, Wisconsin
Cody Schrader, Missouri
Isaac Guerendo, Louisville 
Dylan Laube, New Hampshire
Frank Gore Jr, Southern Miss
Jase McClellan, Alabama 
Isaiah Davis, South Dakota State 
Deshaun Fenwick, Oregon St
Rasheen Ali, Marshall
Blake Watson, Memphis
Jawhar Jordan, Louisville
Jakobi Buchanan, Army (Fullback)

WR(36):
Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio St.
Malik Nabers, LSU
Brian Thomas, LSU
Ladd McConkey, Georgia
Ricky Pearsall, Florida 
Kion Coleman, Florida State
Jermaine Burton, Alabama
Xavier Legette, South Carolina
Malachi Corley, Western Kentucky
Jacob Cowing, Arizona
Malik Washington, Virginia 
Johnny Wilson, Florida St
Javon Baker, UCF 
Anthony Gould, Oregon ST
Ryan Flournoy, SE Missouri St
Lideatrick Griffin, Mississippi St
Jalen Coker, Holy Cross
Bub Means, Pitt

TE/Hback(19):
Brock Bowers, Georgia
Cade Stover, Ohio State
A.J. Barner, Michigan
Tip Reiman, Illinois 
Theo Johnson, Penn St
Dallin Holker, Colorado St.
Ben Sinnott, Kansas State
Jaheim Bell, Florida St
Bryson Nesbit, North Carolina
Brevyn Spann-Ford, Minnesota 
Erick All, Iowa
Marshel Martin IV, Sacramento St
Baylor Cupp, Texas Tech,
Owen Glascoe, LIU (Fullback)

OT(27):
Joe Alt, Notre Dame
J.C. Latham, Alabama
Amarius Mims, Georgia
Jordan Morgan, Arizona
Tyler Guyton, Oklahoma
Patrick Paul, Houston
Blake Fisher, Notre Dame
Javon Foster, Missouri
Garret Greenfield, South Dakota State
Josiah Ezirim, Eastern Kentucky
Anim Dankwah, Howard
Giovanni Manu, British Columbia
Travis Glover, Georgia State

IOL(25):
Zack Frazier, West Virginia
Cooper Beebe, Kansas State
Drake Nugent, Michigan 
Trevor Keegan, Michigan 
Mason McCormick, South Dakota State
Tanor Bortolini, Wisconsin
C.J. Hanson, Holy Cross
Zak Zinter, Mich,
Javion Cohen, Miami,
Sataoa Launoa, Utah, 
Andrew Raym, Okl, 
Matthew Jones, OH ST,
Will Putnam, Clem, 
Duke Clemons. UCLA, 
Bryan Hudson, Louisville, 
Avery Jones,  Auburn, 
Hunter Nourzad, Penn St,

IDL(27):
Kris Jenkins, Michigan
Tyler Davis, Clemson
Evan Anderson, Florida Atlantic
Jaden Crumedy, Mississippi State
Tim Smith, Alabama
Gabe Hall, Baylor
Jesus Gibbs, Towson
Cam Jackson, Florida

End/OLB/Edge(33):
Chop Robinson, Penn St
Marshawn Kneeland, West Michigan
Mohamad Kamara, Colorado St
Brennan Jackson, Washington State
Tyrone Hopper, Missouri
Jaylen Harrell, Michigan
Zion Tupuola-Fetul, Washington
Jalyx Hunt, Houston Christian
Eyabi Okie, Charlotte
Justin Blazek, UW-Plattville
Laiatu Latu, UCLA, 
Adisa Isaac, Penn St, 
Richard Jibunor, Troy, ED
J.J. Weaver, UK, ED
Jordan Davis, Miss St, 
Stephen Herron, Louisville, 
Ayodele Adeoye, Sacramento St, 
Mase Funa, Oregon
Trajan Jeffcoat, Arkansas 
Jalen Green, Madison

ILB(24):
Junior Colson, Michigan
Tommy Eichenberg, Ohio State
Curtis Jacobs, Penn St
Trevin Wallace, Kentucky
Payton Wilson, NC State

CB(33):
D.J. James, Auburn
Caelen Carson, Wake Forest
Mike Sainristil, Michigan
Jarrion Jones, Florida State
Max Melton, Rutgers 
Andru Phillips, Kentucky
Cam Hart, Notre Dame
Chau Smith-Wade, Washington State
Myles Harden, South Dakota
Willie Drew, Virginia State
Micah Abraham, Marshall
Terrion Arnold, Ala, 
Nate Wiggins, Clem, 
Cooper DeJean, Iowa, 
Kamari Lassiter, Georgia, 
Kalen King, Penn St, 
Ryan Watts, Texas, 
Jaden Davis, Miami, 
Lorando Johnson, Arkansas,
Isaiah Hazel, Charlotte,
Marcus Banks, Miss St,
Kris Abrams-Draine, Missouri 

S(22):
Tykee Smith, Georgia 
Jaden Hicks, Washington State
Beau Brade, Maryland
Malik Mustapha, Wake Forest
Tyler Owens, Texas Tech 
Josh Proctor, Ohio St
Maxen Hook, Toledo
Elijah Jones, Boston College

K(2):
Will Reichard, Alabama
Joshua Karty, Stanford

LS(2):
William Mote, Georgia
Peter Bowden, Wisconsin

P(1)
Austin McNamara, Texas Tech

I have had a streak of having the Patriots take names from my board for years now, my average is 56% over the past 6 years. Last season I had two drafted (Andrews, Ryland) and then they did bring in Tavai as a udfa for like a second, which was the third prospect from my list but doesn't count. I do have fullbacks/Hbacks on the list and moved Elijah Jones to safety where I think he'll play at the next level. 

Update:
Since 2018 the percentage of players I have gotten correct from my board is: 56%

2024: 50%
2023: 17%
2022: 60%
2021: 55%
2020: 50%
2019: 70%
2018: 88%

This board was the first board where I only shrunk it to remove quarterbacks because Wolf was said not to care about the things Belichick did.
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Saturday, January 27, 2024

Pros And Cons Of The 2024 NFL Rookie Class Per Media Scouts

I went throught and compiled a list of all the red flags of every quarterback prospect. And to be honest, without seeing any pros of the prospect, not a single prospect looks like they're worth better than a fourth round draft selection, And considering just red flags, that tells me that no prospect is ready leaving college to be a year one starter.

Now I am going to add in the pros from media scouts. I want you to look at how contradictory the two lists are. And ask you to compare the two and really think about what team scouts are seeing and why they cannot rely on media scouts.

Quarterback Prospects

Caleb Williams 
QB USC (Concensus number one)
Pros:
-Build
-Arm talent
-Velocity
-Arm strength
-Throws off platform
-Accuracy
-Leads pass catchers
-Field Vision
-Processor/Cerebral 
-Reads defenses
-Pocket awareness
-Decision making
-Ball security
-Mechanics
-Athletism
-Extends plays
-Fights for extra yards
-He's a sports entertainer

Cons:
- Holding the ball too long
- Doesn't trust his reads
- Doesn't take easy opportunities, always goes for the big play
- Inconsistent footwork
- Throws off his back foot
- Compact throwing motion
- Gets nervous, hears footsteps, has happy feet
- Overly aggressive risk-taker
- Throws across his body
- Tends to unnecessarily extend plays
- Relies too heavily on arm strength
- Relies too heavily on athleticism
- Limited experience with timing-based offenses
- Below average pre-snap read ability
- Undersized
- Takes unnecessary sacks
- Doesn't throw the ball away when needed
- Struggles to fit the ball between coverages/defenders
- Inconsistent short accuracy
- Often locks on to his main receiver
- Fumbles are an issue

Quote: "The biggest area Williams can prove himself is as an anticipatory passer on three- and five-step drops. Because the USC offense failed to incorporate favorable looks with pistol formations, play-action rollouts, and combination routes that could spur open looks, Williams’ processing might be more in question than they should be," Ian Valentino.

Drake Maye
QB North Carolina
Pros:
-Prototype build
-Athletism
-Escape artist
-Velocity 
-Arm strength
-Throws off platform
-Throwing motions
-Accuracy
-Pocket play
-Awareness
-Processor
-Decision making
-IQ
-Field vision
-Nerves

Cons:
- Making adjustments after the snap
- Inconsistent throwing mechanics/stances
- Inconsistent footwork
- Poor decision making
- Hesitates to make decisions
- Tends to hold onto the ball
- Risk taker
- Average pocket presence
- Poor throws under pressure
- Unnecessarily puts the ball in harm's way
- Throwing between coverages/defenders
- Forces throws
- Throws with too much velocity
- Bubble thrower
- Inconsistent accuracy, misses open targets
- Sails sideline throws
- Accuracy declines when play breaks down
- Goes with the first read too often
- Too many paper cuts (quick passes)
- Doesn't lead receivers
- Tucking the ball while running
- Doesn't slide when should
- Average mobility
- Cerebral escape artist
- Not a runner by design

Quote: "Beyond his natural talent, Maye shows off very promising operational qualities for a young QB. There are still a few mechanical issues for him to chip away at, and his occasional lapses in decision making can be frustrating. But overall, Maye’s mental game is just as exciting as his physical upside," Ian Cummings.

Jayden Daniels
QB LSU
Pros:
-Athletism
-Foot speed
-Toughness
-Ball security
-Protects body as runner
-Playmaker
-Pocket Awareness
-Improviser
-Deep Accuracy
-Footwork
-Mechanics
-Throwing motion
-Awareness
-Field Vision
-Calm
-Manipulates Defenders/coverages
-Release

Cons:
-Age (24)
-Build / Small frame
-Field vision
-Lack of arm strength
-Wobbly release
-Follow through on delivery 
-Inconsistent accuracy on throws under 15 yards
-Late delivery
-Inconsistently goes through progressions
-Throwing over the middle
-Doesn't throw enough outside the pocket 
-Lacks balance
-Fails to leave pocket
-Doesn't slide
-Development

Quote: "Overall, Daniels has an exciting floor as a prospect. He is a veteran-like presence in the pocket, and he's far and away the best athlete in the class at the position. Daniels' average arm talent and inconsistent accuracy may limit his ceiling, but it's hard to imagine him totally flaming out. Daniels would be best in an offense that leans into his rushing ability and vertical passing, similar to Kyler Murray or Jalen Hurts," Derrik Klassen.

Michael Penix Jr.
QB Washington
Pros:
-Athletism
-Toughness
-Vision
-Throwing motion
-Arm Strength
-Velocity 
-Accuracy
-Throws off platform 
-Processor
-IQ
-Field Vision
-Pocket Awareness
-Aggressive risk taker
-Extends plays
-Offensive system

Cons:
-Age (24)
-Injuries
-Stiff
-Not a playmaker
-off script play
-Ignores gimmies in search of big plays
-Risk taker
-Mechanics
-Throwing motion
-arm strength
-accuracy
-Timing
-Footwork
-Struggles under pressure 

Quote: "For teams that want to chuck it down the field with a heavy dose of play action, Penix is an interesting dice roll. His live arm, aggressiveness and moments of progression passing give him a shot to stick in the NFL. With that said, Penix's lack of touch, shaky pocket management and minimal ability to create plays will limit his ceiling in the pros," Derrik Klassen.

J.J. McCarthy
QB Michigan
Pros:
-Velocity
-Throwing motion
-Footwork
-Mechanics
-Athletism
-Extends plays
-Toughness 
-Pocket presence
-Accuracy
-Leads pass catchers
-Looks off defenders
-Processor
-Reads
-Nerves⁰

Cons:
-Build
-Struggles under pressure
-Inconsistent pocket awareness
-Risk taker, forces throws
-Field vision
-Decision making
-Inconsistent accuracy
-Late trigger puller, especially on deep balls
-Inconsistent throwing outside numbers
-Lacks touch
-Relies on athletism
-Game manager
-Developmental

Quote: "It’s evident that McCarthy has talent to work with. His issues are ones that will likely need a redshirt year. Either that or experience in a system that will allow him to do more in terms of  progressions and reads. He likely won’t show a lot of growth in that Michigan scheme which would be a good reason for him to enter the draft," Tyler Forness.

Bo Nix
QB Oregon
Pros:
-Athletism
-Fast
-Velocity
-Arm strength
-Accuracy
-Anticipation throws
-Quick game
-Off platform throws
-Throwing motion
-mechanics
-Eyes
-Extends play
-Playmaker
-Reads

Cons:
-Ran simple college offense
-Questionable football IQ
-Ran lots of screens
-Game appears too fast for him
-Inconsistent footwork
-Inconsistently reads defenses
-Lacks idea pocket awareness
-Fails to throw the ball away
-Hero complex
-Inconsistent decision making
-Occasional bubble thrower
-Deep arm strength
-Field vision
-Fails to look off intended target 
-Feels nonexistent pressure
-Happy feet

Quote: "Nix will ultimately be a dice roll on traits. His athleticism and arm talent can be game-changing if honed correctly. With that said, it's a little worrisome that Nix is still unrefined in some areas as an older prospect with a ton of games under his belt. Nix would fit best in a spread-oriented offense that emphasizes RPOs, the quarterback run game and vertical passing," Derrik Klassen.

Michael Pratt
QB Tulane
Pros:
-Build
-Prototype pocket passer
-Field general 
-Arm strength
-Velocity 
-Mechanics 
-Throwing motion
-Footwork
-Vision
-Throws off platform
-Manipulates Defenders
-Anticipation throws
-Decision making
-Processor
-Deep accuracy 
-Athletism

Cons:
-Lacks arm strength
-Throws outside the numbers
-Throwing motion
-Internal Clock
-Cautious
-Field vision
-Sticks to first read
-One read and go
-Prefers contact to sliding
-Stiffness
-Lacks athletism
-Lacks pocket awareness 
-Footwork
-Projects as a low end starter

Quote: "Operationally, Pratt is well-rounded, with a competitive toughness that underlies his game. Suffice it to say, he should be coveted as a high-quality backup in the middle rounds, who could eventually go on to produce as a spot-starter in the right system," Ian Cummings.

Spencer Rattler
QB South Carolina
Pros:
-Experience
-Footwork
-Arm strength
-Velocity
-Throwing motion
-Release
-Mechanics
-Off platform throws
-Athletism
-Accuracy
-Pocket awareness
-Decision making
-Gun slinger mentality 

Cons:
-Timing throws
-Field vision
-Back peddles under pressure
-Decision making
-Overly aggressive 
-High velocity thrower
-Ball placement 
-Pocket presence
-Footwork 

Quote: "He profiles as a developmental QB with backup utility early in his career, but Rattler has the physical tools to potentially grow into a starter," Ian Cummings.

Jordan Travis
QB Florida State
Pros:
-Athletic playmaker
-Extends plays
-Running ability
-Arm Strength
-Velocity
-Throwing motion
-Toughness
-Anticipation throws
-Plays off platform
-Decision making
-Play action ability
-Quick game
-Deep accuracy 
-Nerves

Cons:
-Age (24)
-Arm strength
-Deep velocity
-Deep accuracy
-Pocket Awareness
-Poor release
-Inconsistent ability to read zone coverage
-Anticipation throws
-Struggles to read zone coverage
-Forces throws
-Footwork, Throws off back foot
-Mechanics
-Small frame
-Ball security
-Injuries

Quote, "Travis is a creative mobile quarterback with an explosive running style, but he lacks the lower body mechanics and pocket presence to warrant a high draft pick," NFL Draft bible.

Sam Hartman
QB Notre Dame
Pros: 
-Release
-Throwing motion
-Athletism
-Toughness
-Extends plays
-Footwork
-Mechanics 
-Processor
-Decision making
-Leads pass catchers
-Pocket Presence

Cons:
-Age (25)
-Arm Strength
-Lack velocity
-Sped up clock
-Field vision
-Mechanics
-Accuracy
-Risk taker
-Average talent

Quote: "Hartman’s age and lack of high-end physical traits will limit his range as a 2024 NFL Draft prospect, and he doesn’t quite have the requisite operational profile to compensate. But in the late Day 3 range, he could field an investment as a passer with long-term quality backup potential," Ian Cummings.

Joe Milton
QB Tennessee
Pros:
-Arm strength
-Velocity
-Accuracy
-Throwing motion
-Release
-Mechanics
-Build
-Size
-Pocket Awareness
-Aggressive bomb thrower
-Mobility 
-Fights for extra yards

Cons:
-Age (24)
-See it throw it
-Awkward runner
-Overly cautious
-Experience
-Locks on target
-Not anticipatory
-Bubble thrower
-Relies on play-action
-Fastball thrower
-Streaky
-Inaccurate outside the pocket
-Mechanics

Quote: "As a late-round developmental QB option, Milton’s physical talent does produce intrigue — but as a 24-year-old rookie, he’s shown very little as a processor and independent decision-maker. In the NFL, QBs need to be adaptable, and Milton’s tape at Tennessee was the antithesis of that," Ian Cummings.

Jason Bean
QB Kansas
Pros:
-Athleticism
-Playmaker 
-Arm strength
-Velocity
-Release
-Throwing motion
-Progressions
-Anticipation throws
-Pocket Presence
-Aggressive passsr

Cons:
-Underweight
-Arm strength
-Footwork / stants
-Mechanics
-Throwing motion
-Raw
-Ball placement
-Eyes
-More of an athlete then quarterback.

Quote: "Jason Bean grades out as an early-to-mid Day 3 prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft on my board. He’s one of the most compelling depth prospects in the 2024 class, and there’s a reasonable avenue for him to be a quality QB3 and backup candidate early in his NFL career," Ian Cummings.

Austin Reed
QB Western Kentucky
Pros:
-Prototype size
-Arm strength
-Velocity
-Throwing motion
-Deceptive athletism
-Manipulates defenders
-Anticipation throws
-Leads pass catchers
-Pocket Awareness
-Game manager

Cons:
-Average arm
-Average mobility
-Fastball thrower 
-Over disciplined
-Footwork
-Throwing motion
-Inconsistent Accuracy
-Telegraphs target
-Mechanics under pressure
-Risk taker
-Moves out of the pocket
-Doesn't improvise 

Quote: "Reed grades out as a late-round or potential PFA prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft. He’s not exceptional in any area, but as a well-rounded prospect with enough physical talent and operational utility, he’d be a solid pick late on Day 3 as a prospective backup," Ian Cummings.

Devin Leary
QB Kentucky
Pros:
-Pocket movement
-Accuracy
-Anticipation throws
-Extends plays
-IQ
-Reads
-Velocity
-Mechanics
-Accuracy
-Release

Cons:
-Age (25)
-Lacks velocity
-Arm strength
-Inconsistent Accuracy 
-Not a playmaker
-Footwork
-Alerts defender to target
-Pocket movement
-Injury prone

Quote: "At his peak, Leary was a surgical pocket passer with competent creation ability and above-average functional arm talent. But late in his career, compounded injuries and a lack of supporting stability may have taken a toll on his overall comfort," Ian Cummings.

Brennan Armstrong
QB NC State
Pros:
-Athletism
-Arm strength
-Velocity
-Throwing motion
-Off platform throws
-Pocket presence
-Toughness
-Accuracy
-Anticipation throws

Cons:
-Age (25)
-Not a mobile threat
-Doesn't have the arm to throw 50 passes a game
-Throwing motion
-Stares down intended target
-Field vision
-Relies on arm strength too much
-Slow trigger
-Footwork
-Pocket Awareness
-Cowards under pressure

Quote: "His regression in 2022 was very stark, and on tape, there are a number of concerning tendencies that throw Armstrong’s NFL projection into question," Ian Cummings.

John Rhys Plumlee
QB UCF
Pros:
-Athletism
-Mechanics
-Footwork 
-Toughness
-Short accuracy

Cons:
-Undersized
-Small frame
-Arm Strength
-Footwork
-Pocket movement
-Eagerness to hotdog
-Looks for the deep ball
-Stares down reads
-Decision making
-One read and run scheme

Quote: "As a pure passer, Plumlee may always be a bit limited. He’s over-reliant on his creation ability to a fault, and he doesn’t have the high-level anticipation or processing to take on substantial reps at the NFL level, " Ian Cummings. 

Gavin Hardison
QB UTEP
Pros:
-Arm strength
-Velocity
-Aggressive bomber
-Athletism
-Toughness

Cons:
-Age (24)
-Career completion percentage
-Pocket movement
-Mechanics
-Sacks, had no protection
-Development

Phil Jurkovec
QB Pittsburgh
Pros:
-Athletism
-Leadership
-Awareness
-Anticipation throws
-Back shoulder throws
-Accuracy
-Velocity 

Cons:
-Age (25)
-Arm Strength
-Slow reads
-Late trigger
-Risk taker
-Throwing motion
-Mechanics
-Stiff
-Changed position in 2023

Kedon Slovis
QB BYU
Pros:
-Arm strength
-Throwing motion
-Athletism
-Mechanics
-Pocket presence
-Looks of defenders
-Patience
-Takes gimmie passes
-Timing
-Confidence
-Reads

Cons:
-Inconsistent strength and velocity
-Inconsistent prosser
-Not a runner
-footwork
-Release timing
-Off script passer
-Slow progressions
-Reads
-Risk taker, forces throws
-Inconsistent Accuracy 
-Slow clock

Frank Harris
QB UTSA
Pros:
-IQ
-Progressions
-Decision making
-Throwing motion
-Accuracy
-Throw on the run
-Deceptive mobility

Cons:
-Age (24)
-Undersized
-Footwork
-Mechanics
-Velocity
-Arm Strength
-Competition level

Collin Schlee
QB UCLA
Pros:
-Field vision
-Athletism
-Accuracy
-Arm strength
-Pocket presence
-Leadership

Cons:
-Footwork
-Decision making
-Arm Strength
-Processing 

Davius Richard
QB NC Central
Pros:
-Size
-Athletism
-Leadership
-Clutchness

Cons:
-Mechanics
-Pocket Awareness
-Field vision
-Inconsistent accuracy

Tanner Mordecai
QB Wisconsin
Pros:
-Extends plays
-off script
-velocity
-Athletism
-Field vision
-Reads
-Accuracy
-Arm strength

Cons:
-Bubble thrower
-Risk taker
-Footwork
-Deep accuracy 

Emory Jones
QB Cincinnati
Pros:
-Athletism
-Field vision 
-Release
-Extends plays 

Cons:
-Small frame
-Mechanics
-Throwing motion
-Footwork

Spencer Sanders
QB Ole Miss
Pros:
-Athletism
-Arm strength
-Velocity
-Accuracy
-Extends plays 

Cons:
-Undersized
-Ball placement
-Rushes reads
-Risk taker

Jack Plummer
QB Louisville
Pros;
-Experience
-Arm strength
-Throwing motion
-Mobility
-Footwork
-Awareness
-Field vision
-Manipulates Defenders
-Accuracy

Cons:
-Age
-Lacks arm talent
-Not idea playmaking ability
-Deep accuracy
-Footwork
-Release
-Ball placement
-Mechanics
-Field vision
-Awareness
-Risk taker, forces throws

Theo Day
QB Northern Iowa
Pros:
-Arm strength
-Pocket presence
-Mobility
-Velocity
-Accuracy
-Field vision
-Confidence
-Size

Cons:
-Ball Security
-Throwing motion
-Decision making under pressure

Grant Gunnell
QB Sam Houston State North Texas
Pros:
-Athletism
-Velocity
-Deep Accuracy
-Arm strength
-Ball security

Cons:
-Mechanics
-Footwork
-Decision making
-Risk taker
-Pocket presence
-Sped up clock
-Ball security

Carter Bradley
QB South Alabama
Pros:
-Prototype build
-Mobility
-Accuracy
-Arm strength
-Throwing motion
-Velocity
-Pocket awareness
-Nerves
-Toughness
-Decision making

Cons:
-Experience
-Size and frame
-Deep accuracy, overthrows
-Slow
-Holds the ball
-Reads
-Mechanics 

Garrett Shrader
QB Syracuse
Pros:
-Pocket presence
-Release
-Accuracy
-Progressions
-Manipulates defenders
-Athletism
-Toughness
-Running ability 

Cons:
-Age (24)
-Poor Strength
-Lacks velocity
-Footwork
-Mechanics
-Throwing motion and release
-Pocket awareness
-Timing
-Risk taker, forces passes

Taulia Tagovailoa
QB Maryland
Pros:
-Velocity
-Throwing motion
-Off platform throws
-Athletism
-Awareness
-Manipulates Defenders
-Accuracy
-Mechanics
-Footwork
-Anticipation throws
-Decision making 

Cons:
-Age (24)
-Size
-Inconsistent velocity
-Deep passes
-Aggression
-Footwork
-Mechanics
-Release
-Field vision
-Timing
-Hesitant
-Decision making under pressure 

Zach Calzada
QB Incarnate Word
Pros:
-Arm strength
-Athletism
-Size
-Quick release

Cons:
-Risk taker
-Indecisive, holds the ball
-Deep passes
-Mechanics 

Jeremy Moussa
QB Florida A&M
Pros:
-Mechanics
-Footwork
-Pocket movement
-Spreads the ball
-Athletism

Cons:
-Mechanics 
-Footwork
-Decision making
-Pre-snap reads
-Processor

Jason Brown
QB Jackson State
Pros:
-Arm strength
-Velocity
-Reads
-Athletism

Cons:
-High screen offense
-Ball placement
-Mechanics
-Undersized 

Davis Brin
QB Georgia Southern
N/A

Jalon Jones
QB Charlotte
Pros:
-Arm strength 
-Mechanics
-Athletism
-Decision making
-Velocity

Cons:
N/A

Mark Gronowski
QB South Dakota State
Pros:
-Pocket movement
-Athletism
-Velocity

Cons:
N/A

Jalen Mayden
QB San Diego State
Pros:
-Size
-Athletism
-Pocket movement
-Decision making 

Cons:
N/A

John Paddock
QB Illinois
N/A

Chance Nolan
QB Oregon State
N/A

Layne Hatcher
QB Ball State
N/A

Six of my top 10, including my top four quarterbacks all returned for the 2024 season. My top passers remaining are ranked as follows, Daniels, Nix, Penix, Pratt, Williams, Maye, Rattler, McCarthy. As you can see from the pros and the cons listed from media scouting reports, people don't all see the same things.

I don't know how accurate the reports are who is a bust and who isnt but I'm not a fan of taking any of these quarterbacks before round three. I think teams are gonna over draft and be disappointed in this quarterback class. Also if all my quarterbacks had come out, Caleb Williams would be the 11th best passer (not quarterback) in the draft, instead of the fifth in my opinion. And I think he runs a serious risk of turning into Ryan Leaf.

Since I'm a Patriots fan and not big on the quarterbacks, I would have the Patriots trade down and use the extra picks to get a receiver and two tackles. I would have the Patriots drafting a middle round quarterback to sit and develop behind Mac Jones for a season. Mac will either prove himself without Belichick or allow the team to develop his successor in 2024.
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