Something to think about is that there are considerations beyond the QBs themselves the Patriots undoubtedly think about. Let's say for the sake of argument that the Patriots like both Jackson and Mason Rudolph equally as late first round picks, and feel either would be a good value and a good bet to succeed Brady as QB in a few years. A traditional pocket passer like Rudolph would be able to execute a similar offense to Brady and thus a continuation on the type of offensive personnel they seek. Jackson may require a different type of offense. Perhaps one that operates in shotgun 99% of the time, like the Marshawn Lynch era Seahawks. That offense might use TEs more in the Jimmy Graham role than the Gronk role. No fullbacks on roster. Perhaps different types of WRs, OLs, and RBs. If that's the case, the Patriots would gauge whether the future players in the pocket passer box are easier or harder to acquire going forward than the future players in the mobile passer box. I don't know the answer to that proposition, but if the Pats are confident in making either work, they might let their read of the market dictate their future direction. A large, overlooked part of Brady's greatness is that he excels without blue chip talent around him. There was a point a few years ago with Solder injured when the Patriots were simultaneously the best offense in the league and playing without a single first round offensive draft pick.
I remember when Ty Warren left the Patriots, he said the conversation between he and Bill was to the effect of "We like you, Ty, but going forward we're going to a 4-3 since that's the type of player that's more available right now, and that doesn't fit your skills." We saw it this offseason. When Nate Solder was signed by the Giants, it made a guy like Brandin Cooks, who's primarily a deep threat, less valuable to the team. When you're not confident in above average left tackle play, can you rely on an offensive scheme that requires an extra second or two of protection? It's all interrelated and goes beyond what the Pats think of any one QB.
To extend your thoughts a bit ...
Generally speaking, the OL that the Pats have acquired under BB and Scar have been better run-blockers than pass-blockers. That's not to say that any of them have been awful at pass-blocking, just that, generally, they've been much more pro-ready in terms of run-blocking. It's been Brady's quick/accurate reads and quick release, combined with smart, precise route-runners, that has created the very sophisticated short-intermediate range passing game that has allowed for this. In a nutshell, the OL generally hasn't needed to sustain their pass blocks very long because Brady gets the ball out so quickly (and successfully).
A significant side benefit to consistently acquiring very good run-blockers (including TEs) is that the Pats haven't really needed to acquire an "elite RB" in a long time. Even 2nd-tier and 3rd-tier RBs can usually gain the yardage required with the help of a great run-blocking corps. An RB who "can create on his own" would be kinda superfluous (not to mention, more expensive).
So, I agree 100% that a significant change in QB "style" would likely cause a cascade of changes in personnel types at other offensive positions.
Also, it's interesting that you bring up what BB said to Ty Warren. After Seymour was traded in 2009 (and After BB had spent 6th and 7th rounders on DTs who didn't fit a 3-4 scheme at all), I began to suspect that such a transition from a classic 3-4 to a 4-3 base was underway. Ty Warren's release in 2010, along with the acquisition of Gerard Warren and a couple other non-3-4 type players pretty much confirmed that, even though it didn't show up on the field until Camp.
However, the 4-3 to 3-4 swing that was in progress league-wide at that time (very possibly attempting to copy BB's success with 3-4 defenses) appears to be swinging back the other way.
Jonathan Hankins was a fairly decent NT in Indy's 3-4 last season, but they've switched to a 4-3 for 2018 and let him walk. He still hasn't found work. Connor Barwin is still looking for work, as is Navorro Bowman. The Browns had a 1st-round NT who'd performed well in their 3-4 for two seasons, and then gave him up pretty cheaply to the Pats after he failed to perform well in Gregg Williams' 4-3.
Anyway, it has me wondering if BB isn't about to "zag" again. He
did acquire Lawrence Guy last season, 6041/305, coming out of the Ravens' 3-4 defense, and Adam Butler, 6037/280, who played some DE in college at a somewhat higher weight. With Valentine returning and Shelton now on the roster, BB has two suitable,
young NTs.
So, perhaps the Pats contacts with DL prospects like Brown (6033/296), ****erson (6045/292), Hand (6035/297), Holmes (6047/283), Speaks (6027/283), Murphy (6025/295) and Nichols (6036/306) are about something more than just looking at potential interior pass-rushers or potential Malcolm Brown replacements, as many of us have assumed?
This is kinda how the 3-4 to 4-3 transition began. So, if there's a possibility of a switch back to a 3-4, how might that effect our evaluations some of the LBs and edge-players who are available in this draft?
