Quarterback isn’t a need for the New England Patriots, but they took one in the second round anyway.
With the 62nd overall pick in the 2014 NFL draft, the Patriots selected Eastern Illinois quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo.
Obviously, Garoppolo won’t see the field as long as Tom Brady is healthy, but the Patriots apparently think Garoppolo has the kind of talent that’s worth a shot late in the second round. Garoppolo has a good arm and was extremely productive against second-tier competition in college, and the Patriots believe he can be developed.
The biggest question for the Patriots now may be whether backup quarterback Ryan Mallett will go on the trade block. Mallett is heading into the final year of the rookie contract he signed as a third-round pick in 2011, and the Patriots may trade him to a place where he’d actually get the opportunity to play.
As for Garoppolo, he’ll have an opportunity to learn while backing up one of the most accomplished quarterbacks in NFL history.