The 2020 NFL Virtual Draft has been a great success through Day 1, better than anybody could have asked for.
The Patriots entered the draft with several needs. Among them was the need for a franchise quarterback to replace Tom Brady, who departed along with Rob Gronkowski for the Sunshine State and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Bill Belichick will now have to coach a team with little to no star power for the first time as New England’s head coach. For the first time in the 21st century, the Patriots have been desperate at the draft.
However, they traded with the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday, sending pick No. 23 in exchange for Nos. 37 and 71. Will the Patriots look to get their heir to Tom Brady with one of those picks? Is there one they could simply plug in and see play at a high level?
On Day 2 of the Draft, look for the Patriots to select Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Jalen Hurts.
The 21-year-old quarterback would be a very intriguing piece for Bill Belichick to toy with. He has great field vision with fabulous mobility in the pocket. His arm has shown flashes of greatness, while also having his fair share of issues.
Hurts infamously transferred from Alabama to Oklahoma as there was this man named Tua Tagovailoa at the quarterback position.
Hurts has totaled 9,477 yards and 80 touchdowns on 682-for-1,047 passing (65.1 percent) in his four-year career between Alabama and Oklahoma. Additionally, he rushed 614 times for 3,274 yards and 43 scores, started 42 of 56 career games, and posted 38-4 record as a starter.
He also played three seasons at Alabama and helped the Crimson Tide to 41-3 record (26-2 mark as a starter in 2016 and ’17) and played in seven College Football Playoff games (five starts), helping Alabama capture the National Title in 2017. Hurts also ranks eighth in Oklahoma history with 5,149 yards of total offense, ninth in career passing yards (3,851) and career touchdown passes (32) despite playing just one season.
Moreover, he is the owner of the Alabama quarterback career record with 23 rushing touchdowns and ranks second in school history among quarterbacks with 1,976 career rushing yards and third with 71 touchdowns responsible for, and ranks fourth in Alabama history with 7,602 yards of total offense and 48 touchdown passes.
The pick would give Patriots fans a sigh of relief and it would help signify a sign of the future.