Trends are made to be broken

I've never really cared about trends. Especially with sports. I like to try to have original thoughts and think out side the box. This leads to people thinking I'm crazy at times. As a pisces and as an enneagram type 5 INTJ, I'm used to. 

Take this offseason. People are either all in on the Patriots trading away all of their good players and tanking for Trevor Lawrence, or They think the Patriots need to trade up for a quarterback, and spend the rest of the picks to overload on Offensive linemen, and if they have anything left, then acquire linebackers and tight ends. While I think there is some needs trending, the trends are going to the extreme. 

First off, the Patriots should look to trade down with Baltimore. The Ravens hold pick 28 of the first round and have the 60th pick as well. Making this trade is almost like giving up a 2nd and a 3rd to acquire a 1st. Whether or not the Ravens bite, then need to trade their first round pick into the second round. Belichick should shoot to acquire three to nine additional picks in this draft. He can always trade away later round picks.

When the Patriots drafted Stidham in round  four with the 133rd overall selection, they got a top 64 pick. Exactly how good is Stidham, I don't know. Assuming the Patriots listen to me, If one of the top quarterbacks fall into the second, the Patriots should draft them. If not the Patriots should take advantage of Brian Hoyer and draft a mid to late round quarterback.  If Stidham fails, the team can acquire a starter in 2021, and hold a battle for the back up spot.

Rex Burkhead and Brandon Bolden are both expendable and up there in age. The draft is packed with special team receiving backs. The Patriots should bring one in, either as a late round draft pick, or an UDFA. 

Edelman has been getting bang up. Sanu got hurt and didn't perform up to his expectations. Harry still needs to develop but looks like a reach pick, Jakobi Meyers while having chemistry with Stidham, is still an undrafted receiver. Gunner wasn't anything special, and Matthew Slater is only good on special teams. The Patriots should look to bring in at least one receiver who can also contribute on special Teams. 

The Patriots tight ends were a joke in 2019. The only one who showed any promise was Ryan Izzo before a concussion destroyed his development. The Patriots need to acquire to two in the draft. Because the Patriots like versatility, A third who can play that H-back or fullback role wouldn't hurt.

The Patriots have a complete offensive line returning, plus a 3rd and 4th round pick from the 2019 draft.  The Patriots are set for the most part and should carry eight men on the line. That would mean bringing in one guy. There's no guarantee Andrews wont start on the bench. Another interior offensive lineman is all the Patriots need.

The Patriots need to acquire one edge rusher to play on the opposite side of chase Winovich. The team also needs to add two interior defensive linemen. With Shelton and Butler gone, the team has a big hole to fill.

Regardless if the edge rusher plays end or linebacker, the Patriots need to bring in three more linebackers. The Patriots lost three star linebackers. I don't care what's left on their depth, the only proven linebacker the team has is Hightower.

The Patriots need to acquire two safeties, just like with linebacker, the Patriots have a bunch of nobodies. It's gonna be vital these guys can contribute on special teams as well.  The Patriots have no safety net if Chung or McCourty go down. 

I would not be surprised if the team doubles down on kicker. If a kicker isn't automatic under 40 with the power and accuracy to kick the 50 yarders, they dont belong on a football. The Patriots cannot afford to go into the season without a real kicker. 

The Patriots also need a return man. Edelman is old and cannot keep lining up to return. Gunner and Sanu did poorly last season. The return game is a keep piece in the difference from being a contender from a pretender.

My opinion may not be popular, it may not be trending but things would never evolve if everyone thought the same. Agree, disagree, all we can do is wait and see. 

Why Four Other Teams Need A DPN Edition

Back in 2017 it was hard to find a good sports blog for my favorite teams. The Patriots were the top team in professional football so they had the most media content. However the other four teams I follow not so much.

Along came Donnie O'Donnell, a brash Patriots fan. He told it like it was. Granted he was a character, he sucked you in. The man behind the voice, Mr. Rauth also had a good personality. Donnie was part of a show called Dear Patriots Nation. 

As Ray went on, he became the place to get news, opinion, and analysis for the Patriots. There were and are a couple of other vloggers who cover the Patriots but non have the charismatic personality of Ray. 

Since I found DPN, I have searched for a similar host that covers and can keep me informed on the Utah Jazz, Tampa Bay Lightning, Hawaii Rainbow Warriors, and The Toronto Blue Jays. The closest I came was Jays in the sixth. A short lived channel created by the Father of Donnie O'Donnell, Mr. Ray Rauth.

The channel didnt last long as Ray started getting burnt out. Ray tried to hand off his show to a young and up in comer Matthew Garcia. Sadly, Matt was not able to carry on the DPN brand. He just didn't have Ray's personality, and fans never really gave him a chance.

DPN came back and is growing again. Ray gave DPN a new lease on life. His DPN videos on YouTube are still good for a lunch Break. While he has branched out and Partnered with Sportscastr to produce a nightly live stream. The DPN Brand has a blog that comes out every morning on Tecmohole and Ray has done right by Patriots Nation.

Ray tried to branch out with DPN Toronto. I assume that the channel would've been about all sporting news inside Ray's home city. This excited myself and a couple of other people who were finally going to have a place to get Blue Jays News, opinions, and analysis from a professional fan. But things fell flat.

While DPN Toronto is still collecting dust on Twitter, it gives fans like myself hope that someone can pick up the spark created by Ray. I live in Western New York. Let me tell you, if you don't follow a team in Buffalo, New York City, or the two New Jersey teams, you're not getting any news coverage on your team unless they're the top team of their sport, and then it's minimal. 

DPN Hawaii, DPN Toronto, DPN Tampa, and DPN Utah are needed. I am sure there are other fan bases who would also like their team covered. There's just not enough good video content makers or Sports writers out there reaching their intended audience. The few that do seem to be dryer then Chris Collinsworth. 

Personally, I unfortunately do not know enough about the other sports or my other teams, so I would not be the guy to pick up the pen and video camera. Not to mention I have social anxiety.

Here's hoping somebody will read this blog will contact Ray about becoming a partner.

Find DPN on sportscastr, twitter, Instagram, or blogs.dpnsports.com , we need people with personalities willing to share their fandom with some news, opinion, and analysis. 

Jalen Hurts Is The Right Quarterback To Succeed Tom Brady In New England

Mr Brent Sobleski wrote an article Jalen Hurts is the right Prospect to succeed Tom Brady In New England. While this may be unpopular with many Patriots fans as they have other names, This could be a good fit. Let's look at What Brent had to say.

Jalen Hurts is receiving praise among scouts, analysts and fans, especially in Patriots Nation.

Stidham is receiving high praise from those within the Patriots organization. With the situation that happened and benefited Stidham in 2019, with the way scouts and analysts talk about Stidham coming out of college, and not wanting to damage Stidham's confidence, of course the Patriots are giving Stiddy high praise.

We saw this kinda misdirection with Ravens Quarterback Lamar Jackson from the Patriots. The question is, were the Ravens the team Belichick was trying to bait and did he get his man. 

Thus far, The Patriots are making it seem like They're confident in Stidham but Tua Tagovailoa, Jordan Love, Jacob Love, and James Morgan are receiving a little too much attention from the Patriots. 

While Brady wasn't the first NFL royalty to come from Later rounds, he is the biggest example that of how flawed the scouting and draft process is. Players drafted the 199th overall, are not supposed to be the greatest of all time.

Baltimore looks like an odd on Favorite to to trade up with New England and surrender the number 28 pick in both the first and second round to acquire the number 23rd pick.

according to Donnie Druin of SI. , Now back to Brent Sobleski.

The Patriots have loved the Quick pass since Brady took over. Fans fondly remember the no huddle five wide empty backfield quick pass screens. Joey Bosa and the Chargers know how much the Patriots like the quick pass attack. 

If the Patriots have a quarterback under center who can mimic that, teams are gonna be in for a long season. This would require receivers to get seperation, however.

As long as he can play to the projected levels of both, If you told any member of Patriots Nation the future quarterback would be a hybrid of Murray and Mayfield, I think they would have stars in their eyes and dreams of dancing superbowl trophies in the heads.

In the modern day NFL true pocket passers are slowly becoming obsolete. Quarterbacks need to be able to scramble. Jalen Hurts will stand in the pocket and take a hit but he will also make defenses pay with his legs.

Hurts already has a Patriots connection and knows some of the Patriots playbook. This would give Hurts an advantage if he is handed the Patriots full playbook and would allow for it to be opened up rather quickly. It normally takes over three seasons before teams open their playbooks with rookie quarterbacks.

Many teams are running an RPO in the NFL. With the ever changing landscape, teams must adapt and the ability to use the RPO is a valuable asset. While Brady May have juked Brian Urlacher, he wasn't having that kind of success versus many. Hurts is a running back who can throw. Maybe not a running back on Lamar Jackson's level but still one never the less.

While getting to learn from many can add valuable knowledge, it can also cause regression and stint growth. Hurts' mechanical development is one thing he was always criticized about, that might not been his fault but the fault of his NCAA teams.

Hurts remains confident and that is something needed in a quarterback. Hurts' will need the work ethic to match. He needs to come in, look the staff in the eye with laser focus and say he "will do everything in his power to make sure the team continues their success." Hurts needs to be a machine, a terminator.

Hurts already smart enough to implement the Patriots way and not give up too much. This could've been hurts trying to impress Belichick or the answers the Patriots may have asked him to give. It also could be just coincidence but it sure sounds like a Patriots answer.

Before I finish Sobleski's last thought, let's take a look at Hurts' NFL Comparison according to Lineups.com

While I had agreed with Mike Larry's comment earlier in the article, about Hurts's reminding of Russell Wilson, Cam was an MVP who had taken taken his team to the superbowl. The Patriots are a better organization than the Panthers and won't put Hurts in a situation to fail. The one thing the Patriots offer any rookie is stability. 

Sobleski did a good job to show what Hurts offers the Patriots organization, and leaves us with these final thoughts.

Whether it's Stidham, Hurts, or someone else all we can do is put out the battle call "Next Man Up", see who answers and remember our motto "In Bill We Trust".

Spy Gate 2.0 still under review

Megan Armstrong wrote an article today titled Patriots Sideline Videotaping "Still Under Review" by NFL.

The NFL had said this would be wrapped up quickly, but this slowly became a witch hunt for many inside Patriots Nation. It is now Late spring and the subject is still unsettled.

The Patriots cooperated and said it was a separate department from their football operations. Robert or Jonathan Kraft seemed like the most likely to receive any punishment.

When the Bengals hosted the Patriots, the team was 1-12. The Patriots clearly did not need help beating the Bengals. So why would the Patriots choose the Bengals to cheat against. The only possible arguement is that the offense struggled through it's first eight games and with nobody expecting it, the Patriots could try it, just to see if they could get away with it. Not saying that's what happened but it's a possibility.

In 1997 Eddie Debartolo was suspended by the NFL for a year for conduct unbecoming of an NFL owner. Debartolo's family ended up suing Eddie for the team and won. While it's unlikely that Robert Kraft would lose the team, adding on the spa gate situation, Robert Kraft could see similar punishment.

With the Bill Belichick denying any involvement in the situation and the team insisting that it was part of the production company that is overseen by Robert Kraft, crap is making himself solely accountable for any punishment chipitin may receive.

Hopefully, new rules and regulations will come of this when it comes to film departments of all franchises. The league should assign personnel to all teams, separate from team personnel to oversee all filming. It's sad that in April of 2020, this subject is still on going and is just another case of incompetence from Rodger Goodell and NFL executives.

Rob Parker scores half credibility in his latest statement.

In August of 2019 Tom Brady negotiated a deal that would prevent the Patriots from Franchise tagging him. There was speculation that many teams would be interested in Tom Brady. From Tennessee and their Face Time call, to Miami and Flores, everyone after the loss to the Titans seemed an option.

Rob Parker: “NOBODY WANTED YOU! YOU’RE THE ‘WASHED KING!’ Nobody wanted Tom Brady and the Patriots didn’t even make him an offer! NOBODY wanted a 43-year-old on a two-year contract!… He had that awful pick-six to end his career on the Patriots and had so many bad throws this year, especially against good talent. He ATE UP all those bad teams. They were the worst 8-0 team in the history of the NFL. He AIN’T the GOAT. Jameis Winston is thinking right now ‘THIS 43-YEAR-OLD BUM JUST TOOK MY JOB, AND ISN’T GOING TO MAKE THE PLAYOFFS WITH THIS TEAM.’”

When free agency rolled around, it seems Rob Parker might have some credibility. The Patriots supposedly were waiting for Brady to tell them what he was doing, and there were only two other teams remaining. After Brady met with Mr. Kraft, there was only those teams.

Tom Brady had the choice, The chargers, where every game is an away game because Los Angeles doesn't want San Diego's garbage, or Tampa Bay and the senior citizens. Brady choose the retirement home community over being an enemy in his home stadium. Fan's might be too old to recognize the team outside of their creampuff uniforms but Mrs. Brady is happy living in Jeter's mansion. 

While it's true Brady's last pass was a pick six, unlike Jameis Winston he still has a job. And, unlike Rob Parker, Tom Brady still has respect in the sports world, regardless of how mad fans are of him for turning his back on the Patriots and the greatest Dynasty to ever exist. 

Hopefully this will be the last article Tom Brady's name is mentioned in because he's a Buccaneer not a Patriot. However, even though that's doubtful, Parker's name most certainly won't appear in another article for some time to come, guys irrelevant.

Open Competition At Quarterback?

Is there an open competition at quarterback?According to Bill Belichick there is, says Mr. Herny Mckenna, writer for Patriots Wire in his latest article.

With exception to Tom Brady over the last twenty years, nobody's job was safe in New England. Few years back when the Patriots had Garoppolo, even Brady's job wasn't safe. To hear there's a quarterback competition is no surprise, players earn their job on the Patriots or they end up like Jonas Gray.

Stidham beat out Hoyer for the backup job but when the Patriots had to bring on Cody Kessler, the Patriots may have second guest that. Hoyer has previous starting experience and been around a locker room or two. Stidham is young and unproven. A rematch for the starting position in 2020 won't be like their battle in 2019. 

The Patriots are rumored to be interested in several quarterbacks in this draft class. Names being linked to the Patriots are Jordan Love, Justin Herbert, Jacob Eason, Tua Tagovailoa, Jacob Fromm, Ben DiNucci and James Morgan. While I don't know anything about Morgan or DiNucci, the rest are projected starters. It would be shocking for Belichick to draft them and not let them show if they got the skills to leap frog Stidham or Hoyer on the depth chart. 

Of course the Patriots are going to adapt the offense to what the starting quarterback does best. Could anyone Imagine if The Patriots ran Lamar Jackson offense the last 30 years with both Bledsoe and Brady? It wouldn't of worked. It's not their style. Belichick is a smart coach, and uses players to the best of their ability. Unless their name is Cassius Marsh, the players will trust Belichick and do as instructed. Just look at Elandon Robert's, who played fullback last season. It's one of many reasons the Patriots have had sustained success.

Tired of Tom and Bill, So is the original TB12

Apparently Steelers Legend and four time super champion quarterback Terry Bradshaw finally spoke out about the situation surrounding two of the most Important members of the Patriots Dynasty and Skylar Carlin wrote an article about it titled " Terry Bradshaw tired of 'soap opera' surrounding former Patriot duo Tom Brady and Bill Belichick."

Many people are tired of the feud between the two. It's gotten to the point many are like who cares any more. These two were responsible for the greatest dynasty ever. Now it's become all about who gets credit, and who wins first. It's caused a rift between Brady fans and Patriots fans, and even worse a rift inside Patriots Nation.

Surprised everyone? Brady left a field of breadcrumbs. While nobody thought it would actually happen, this should of surprised noome. ESPN's Field Yates Tweeted 

The extension rumored to be a non guaranteed- 2 year $50 Million deal. Almost the same deal he got in Tampa bay.

Tom Curren of NBC is also reported

Brady got his raise with a no tag claus. Brady also sold his home and stepped down from The Best Buddies charity during the 2019 season. Brady was also very vocal during the 2019 season about how unhappy he was, he was all over social media. To say that people were shocked is really surprising. Those shocked were living in a bubble or not paying attention.

There's no secret that something happened with the Jimmy G trade that caused an uncharacteristic amount of talk from the Patriots organization. None of us know what really happened. Only those inside the organization and locker room know. And then they don't even know everything as Even Edelman at the Syracuse basketball game, thought Brady was coming back. The only people who know the full story are Brady & Belichick. There's probably a 99% chance they don't know the story from the other's side.

The exaggerated part is true. Instead of the media focusing on free agency, draft picks and team needs, the coronavirus virus, and world sporting events; the entire focus has been on the Dynamic Duo. By having the spot light on these two it creates free media and helps with merchandise sales. It's a marketing ploy, and it's all about money. How you liking those new "Tompa" Bay Jerseys?

We only got One Life To Live and as we turn on the media day after day getting ever sicker of these two, so are The Days Of Our Lives. As we fight to get back to some kinda normacy, hopefully sports will continue to be our guiding light.

Why the Patriots should trade up to land Justin Herbert In the 2020 Draft.

Tom Brady is now nothing more than a memory in New England. The Patriots have career back up Brian Hoyer and 2019 fourth round selection Stidham on the Roster. The Bengals are dangling Dalton , while free agents Cam Newton and Jameis Winston swim around searching for life preservers.

Belichick also has the NFL draft coming up. Joe Burrow from LSU, Tua Tagovailoa from Alabama, Jordan Love from Utah State, Jacob Eason from Washington, and Oregon Duck Justin Herbert are all expected to go in round one. While Jalen Hurts Oklahoma, Tyler Huntley Utah, James Morgan FIU, Jacob Fromm Georgia are expected to go in the middle of the Pack, and Cole McDonald Hawaii and Josh Love San Jose St are expected to go way late.

Matthew Schmidt of Clutch Sports wrote an article really setting fire to the draft Herbert Base. "Why the Patriots should trade up to land Justin Herbert In the 2020 Draft."

"According to Peter King of NBC Sports, the Patriots are enamored with University of Oregon quarterback Justin Herbert in this year’s NFL Draft. King notes that the Patriots have 12 picks in the draft overall, more than any other team. However, only one of those picks is in the top 85, so New England would almost surely have to part with future picks to move up for Herbert." - Matthew Schmidt Clutch Sports

Herbert, Like Eason were on my Board entering the 2019 season as having potential to be the top two quarterbacks in the draft. Neither had the season that I expected and I think it is very Possible Herbert could fall to 23. Belichick has not been known for trading up in the first. It's just never been part of the Patriots way, and it's doubtful to start now.

Detroit, Carolina, Cleveland, The Raiders, and The Buccaneers might be willing to Trade down but Belichick would have to Morgage the Future To get the Lamborghini Veneno of Quarterbacks, and there's no guarantee the quarterback won't breakdown off the lot, and quarterbacks are buy as is. Although it could be a fun drive and cool to own, and that could be true for Herbert as well. Bill is thrifty, so the price has to be right for him to pull the trigger.

In 2019 Herbert completed 66.8 percent of his passes for 3471 yards, throwing 32 touchdowns, 6 interceptions and finishing with a 153.1 Rating. In 43 games Herbert had a completion percentage of 64 for 10,541 yards, 95 Touchdowns, 23 interceptions and a 153.1 QBR. Herbert is not a scrambler as he only totalled 530 yards and 13 touchdowns on 231 carries.

"Big, talented full-field scanner able to find the right read and sling it around the yard from the pocket or on the move. Herbert rushed throws in 2018, but he showed marked improvement in that area, excluding the Auburn opener. He trusts his protection while working through coverages and route development and has big-boy arm talent and drive velocity to stress and impress defenses. He's confident attacking downfield, but touch throws evade him and may have created tentativeness with certain short and intermediate throws. Ball placement requires additional emphasis, but upgrading to NFL skill talent could help him bloom. Herbert has a high ceiling and is the most physically gifted quarterback in the draft, but he doesn't have as many "wow" plays as expected for someone with his traits, experience and potential. NFL Comparison: Carson Wentz" - Lance Zierlien.

"Justin Herbert has all of the physical tools to become a franchise quarterback in the NFL, particularly for a vertical passing offense. Herbert presents as a player with consistency issues on timing throws and troublesome lapses under pressure. Ball security is another issue, so Herbert will need to be aided by high level interior OL play to protect him from consistent duress. If everything clicks, he's a top tier talent. But the wrong situation could be nuclear. " - Crabbs TDN

"Herbert gets fidgety with his mechanics when the pocket gets muddy, and his accuracy and decision-making suffer as a result. He has to become more efficient and more confident working through his reads, especially against NFL defenses that will challenge him more in the pre-snap phase. He also needs to put the driver back in his bag every once in a while and throw with better touch." - Athlon Sports

"Herbert has already been banged up quite a bit throughout his career. Protecting him at all costs will be vital. Otherwise, his body may begin to break down at an early age. If all things fall in Herbert’s favor he could quickly turn into a potential franchise QB. If not, he could be searching for another team during his second contract and looking to relight the flame that once made him an intriguing prospect." - Reid TDN

For this writer, Justin Herbert Reminds me of Ben Roethlisberger. He has the playstyle that both helped and hindered the Steelers organization. The Patriots have had some of their Best and Worst Games against Big Ben. The other thing that reminds me of Ben is the Injuries. We have seen glass quarterbacks like Sam Bradford be on the shelf and out of the league soon after entering. Herbert has that kinda risk. Do the Patriots want to take a risk on a guy who could be a top five quarterback one year and then join the 30-30 club the next, while being as fragile as a dozen of eggs? Herbert is an interesting risk-reward Prospect and that's what makes his value questionable.

I'm a go back to the article Matthew Schmidt of Clutch Sports wrote as it puts the final exclamation point to this Subject.

Seven Eleven Is Good For Slurpees Not Comebacks.

Josh Alper of PFT wrote an article. The article doesn't have much teeth but it says enough. 

"Devin McCourty on Chris Hogan: We have a new QB, let’s bring an old target back"

Patriots made the superbowl multiple years with several players. Chris Hogan was good but he wasn't the it factor. Chris Hogan's Last year with the Patriots, he caught 35 passes for 532 yards and 3 Touchdowns. Phillip Dorsett who got injured and also game planned out of one game had 29 catches for 397 yards and 5 touchdowns. Don't forget Hogan couldn't get seperation in his final year. Seven eleven was closed, and Belichick got rid of the inconvenience store.

You know who else returned after leaving? Ben Watson. In 2018 Watson caught 35 passes for 400 yards and 2 touchdowns for the Saints. In 2019 he caught 17 passes for 172 yards and ZERO touchdowns. Just because a player leaves and comes back, doesn't mean success. 

Chris Hogan is 32 and coming off an Injury. Hogan had a down year with the Patriots in his final year and things just have not looked good for him. If the Patriots want to bring back a former receiver, may I suggest Austin Carr. He is only 26 and after being stolen by Sean Peyton to New Orleans got buried and developed. If there was any coach who has proven he can develop receivers it's Peyton. Carr would come at a much cheaper price and can do everything Hogan can do. 

Carr played in 20 games as the number 5/6 receiver. He caught 10 passes for 106 yards and 2 Touchdowns. Carr is also a better jump ball receiver than Hogan. Carr finished his 2019 season on the IR with an ankle injury in November.

The Glory days are nice but nobody is calling for Corey Dillion, Drew Bledsoe or Troy Brown to suit back up. Players stop being productive and Bill moves on. That's the Patriots way, it's the reason why the Patriots have built dominance and are the gold standard in the NFL.

https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2020/04/13/devin-mccourty-on-chris-hogan-we-have-a-new-qb-lets-bring-an-old-target-back/

A Sleeper Pick At Quarterback For Day Three In New England

Cole McDonald completed 61.4 percent of his passes for 8,032 yards, with 70 touchdowns and 24 interceptions at Hawaii. McDonald had to split time his final year and chose to leave school early. McDonald is the dangerous kind of quarterback. He is a pocket quarterback with the ability to run and he showed that at the NFL Combine.

Cole had the fastest forty at the combine, running a 4.58-second 40-yard dash. In 33 games McDonald rushed for 880 yards and 12 touchdowns on a 3.5 yard average. McDonald also had a 36" vertical jump, a 7.13 three cone and 4.52 20 hard shuttle. 

Anyone who has followed Hawaii knows McDonald can throw the ball well in wet conditions and is a great leader on the field. McDonald has good Intelligence but needs some work on his mechanics. McDonald could make a tall slot or flanker receiver if he wanted to change positions.

"Big frame and a strong arm. Has ideal size for the position. In the run-and-shoot offense, McDonald is a natural when it comes to making the most of his size by pushing the ball down the field with distance and velocity. He’s a fearless thrower who will challenge coverages and take the chances necessary to win football games. Has a good sense of pressure and knows when to bail on a pocket." - Sikkema TDN

"McDonald has plenty of NFL traits. He has prototypical size for a pocket passer and good arm talent for the NFL level, capable of maintaining zip on the ball on off-platform throws. He’s also a pretty good athlete, capable of extending plays and a threat to scramble for yardage. He’s an anticipatory thrower who’s more than willing to test tight windows. He’ll stare down the gun barrel and absorb contact as he throws. Cole McDonald certainly looks the part when comparing him to other quarterbacks in the 2020 NFL Draft. The Hawaii signal-caller has the size and arm talent necessary to succeed at the next level. But he's far from a finished project and will need to find a team that's willing to refine his mechanics while living with his gunslinger mentality." - Athlon Sports

"Cole McDonald projects as a developmental quarterback at the NFL level. McDonald has several desirable traits, including flashes of arm talent, athleticism and the size of a prototypical passer — but he is a point and shoot passer by design in Hawaii's Run-N-Shoot offense. The mental side of the game is going to need to be reconstructed from the foundation and as such McDonald should be considered a low risk, high reward prospect late in the NFL Draft. Great tools but a long way out." - Crabbs TDN

Getting to develop behind Brian Hoyer in a Josh McDaniels system would help any flaws McDaniels has. Stidham spent a year learning behind Tom Brady and could pass off any positives picked up from Brady on to McDonald. The Patriots have better receivers than the 2019 Warriors fielded and because the Patriots don't throw the ball deep on almost every play, McDonald's accuracy would improve greatly.

"If you want a low-risk long-term project, Cole McDonald is your guy. His work ethic and love for the game are unmatched, and teams will surely fall in love with that.

His playstyle is perfectly applicable to the current NFL landscape, and at worst he can be a backup for many years to come. The fact he played for a small school is clearly a concern for most, but I don’t think it’s a big deal at all. In games against higher competition, he seemed fairly comfortable and showed his arm talent transferred at that next level.

There’s obvious talent here. He has much more talent and a higher ceiling than most are giving him credit for.  In a couple of years, McDonald could be a legitimate fringe starter in the league. A team would be wise to use a mid to late-round flyer on him as they might’ve just found the next diamond in the rough." - Xaiver Aguiar

"If Grier, a quarterback with vastly inferior arm talent to that of McDonald, can land in the top-100 of the draft, then there is no reason that the Rainbow Warrior himself should not merit the same recognition. Sure, McDonald can be a bit reckless with the ball far too often, but with some solid coaching around him, some team may be able to sharpen him into a solid NFL quarterback in the near future." - Cory Kinnan

Go Bows 🌈