Let me add this also here (posted earlier in BGC thread) since it is more of a GM post and i will add some additional QB GM thoughts later..
@ QB
1. It is very likely Patriots will draft a QB this year not necessary bc of need or exceptional prospects but bc that is what they do.
Over last 20 years they drafted QB every other year (on avg) no matter the circumstances. The only question is how high.
2. It is not likely (although possible) they will reach for a QB.
Lombardi, who is now beating Mac Jones drum did the same for Jimmy in 2014 (but on the inside). He was very nervous when Bill didn't want to take him in 1st (despite 5th y option benefit) although they all liked him and were determined to draft one of the top QBs. Lombardi was sure he wouldn't make it past HOU at 33. They took Easly at #29 despite 2 ACL tears in 3 yrs. So not exactly a sure thing long term blue chip player. After Carr went at #36 Jimmy was the last remaining they liked. Yet BB waited for almost 30 picks to take him with their own 62.
Some may say situation was different then since they had Tom (at 37) still going strong. That doesn't necessarily mean situation was/is much different for BB. He has a starter for 2021 for the value he felt good about. No matter what fans & media think of Cam i haven't seen one ounce of evidence BB doesn't see him as (possible) starter for 2021 or that he doesn't believe Cam can play “good enough“. What is different is that Cam is signed for 1y so there is no long term commitment. He is still 31 though (32 in May) and if he plays “good enough“ there is always an outside chance they might want to bring him back (at a price they believe has value).
So unless BB absolutely falls in love with certain QB in this class (id like to see the odds on that
) id guess he will be patient as always and wait for the opportunity.
3. Many are arguing that he didn't invest so much in this roster to give it to Cam - so something bigger/better must be the answer at QB.
Id argue the opposite - he built the roster to be as little dependant on QB as possible. And he did it because he had the opportunity to do it
(he had the cap and players were available and willing to sign).
4. Id guess drafting QB this year will again be about value and opportunity. Acc. to Lombardi they valued Carr, Jimmy, Manziel and Teddy B similarly. And if anything - this years NE QB draft should be less dramatic. They have no opportunity to draft one of the top 3. Evaluations of others are all over the place (and that might include #3). The one QB who might be available at #15 (Mac) is the one they will have best possible info of all on the things that really matter at QB. And if BB values f.e. Lance, Mac, Mills, Mond closer than most outsiders do (bc he would focus on what they can do not what they cannot do and on “good enough“ not “better“) it might be a long waiting game like with Jimmy..
BTW
If BB values Jimmy (2022), Mac and Mills similarly - like some evaluators do - going by presumed price tags - Jimmy in 2022 = 25.5M + 2022 2nd round pick; Mac #15 + 6M (2021+2022); Mills #46 + 3.4M (2021+2022) - Mills would be the value option at the moment. After the season you reassess and look for new best opportunities (that could include BBs top option Rodgers, more realistic Jimmy etc..)
-.-