The Patriots recently re-signed quarterback Tommy DeVito and released fellow signal-caller Joshua Dobbs. DeVito therefore appears to be in the driver’s seat for New England’s QB2 post behind MVP runner-up Drake Maye, but he will not go unchallenged.
ESPN’s Mike Reiss says the Dobbs release makes it more likely that the Patriots will draft a passer or sign one as a priority UDFA. While the team was always going to add another quarterback or two to its depth chart and was not going to carry only Maye and DeVito, it is notable that a team that just won the AFC may be content to have largely unproven options behind its starter instead of a more established talent (like old friend Jimmy Garoppolo, who is still a free agent).
If New England does choose to add a quarterback via the draft or the UDFA pool, ESPN’s Jordan Reid (via Reiss) offers several possibilities. Clemson’s Cade Klubnik, whose performance in a losing effort in the first round of the 2024 College Football Playoff led Reid to consider him a Day 1 talent, was less impressive in his final season on campus. That said, he is a three-year starter with experience under center and in the shotgun who is lauded for his character. Reid projects him as a fourth- or fifth-round option in next month’s draft.
Luke Altmyer, meanwhile, should be available in the fifth or sixth round. Reid praised the Illinois product’s Senior Bowl performance along with his arm strength, accuracy, mobility, and decisiveness. The Patriots may feel that offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels and quarterbacks coach Ashton Grant can help Klubnik, Altmyer, or a player with a similar draft projection to reach their ceiling sooner rather than later and thus create – along with DeVito – a comfortable enough quarterback situation behind Maye.
Maye, whose breakout second professional campaign ended with a disappointing performance in Super Bowl LX, will of course be counted upon to lead the Patriots on another deep postseason run. If he is forced to miss any length of time, New England’s chances of such a run will suffer a major blow regardless of whether the club adds a player on the free agent or trade markets or takes a chance on a rookie.
Maybe a Cole Payton in the fifth round. Could also sign a drew lock or Brandon Allen
I feel like every fan base is suggesting Payton in round 5. I wouldn’t be shocked if he went a bit earlier, even late on day 2 given the lack of acceptable QB play in the league (and this year’s draft).
Slim pickings this year at QB free agency. This draft is a massive wild card. There could be 8-12 QBs taken on day 3 alone lmao
I wouldn’t be surprised if he goes later. He’s going to need a lot of development, which is a very hard thing to come by when you have to be QB3, which he almost certainly needs to be for a while.
I agree but he showed flashes for sure. I want to get back to the era of developing signal callers. Everyone moves on so damn quickly now. Joe Mixon. Sam Howell. Bailey Zappe. So many others
I get it. It’s just really hard with the limited practice reps to go around, and less important with a franchise quarterback who hasn’t even turned 24 yet.
Any predictions for the draft Oof?
Like in general? This is gonna be a weird one. Lot of the best players are at lower value positions. Very few players who would be locks to be first round picks in a draft with more elite talent. Going to be a lot of eye of the beholder picks.
Agreed it’s a wild one. Hahha I wish this site would make a predictions thread we could comment on. I’m still baffled who will go where it’s up in the air outside of Mendoza
Take a flyer on a UDFA. You never know when you might find a QB like Warren Moon or Kurt Warner.
Or Tom Brady in round 6.