JacobyBrissett-Wiki
Who is This Guy?
In the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft, the New England Patriots selected Jacoby Brissett, Quarterback from NC State.
I know when this selection was announced, most of the Patriots nation were in shock. Questions arose like, “Who is this guy?” “Why are we taking another QB?” and “What happens to Jimmy Garoppolo?” All of these questions are both warranted and understandable.
Jacoby Brissett is a 6’4, 234 lb., strong-armed QB, deemed as the “Savior of NC State”. Jacoby transferred from the University of Florida to NC State, due to a recruiting relationship with NC State head coach Dave Doeren. As a sophomore at Florida, Jacoby came off the bench while the Gators were trailing 20-13 at their homecoming game against Louisiana’s Rajin Cajuns.
After coming off the bench, Jacoby led the Gators on two scoring drives including the game winner. That type of calmness, leadership, and heart is definitely characteristic of the Patriots Way.
Why Draft Him?
With the impending four game suspension of Tom Brady, the Patriots would only have one active QB going into the season. Could they sign a veteran QB for a veteran’s minimum? Sure, that was definitely an option for the Patriots.
The real question is, would it have been the best choice? Let’s break down the entire situation the Patriots are facing. Tom Brady just signed a contract extension that would retain him until the 2019 season. Jimmy Garoppolo’s rookie contract is over after the 2017 season, which leaves about 2-years without a quality backup QB for the team. To answer the question earlier, signing a veteran QB would not suffice for the long-term picture. Drafting Jacoby was definitely the better option.
Just think about Jimmy walking off into the proverbial free agent sunset to sign with another team. Not to mention, Tom Brady retiring shortly after the 2019 season would leave the team in a tough situation. The future in football isn’t clear or promised.
Football is a violent game and anything can happen at any time. Tom Brady could get injured or he could just become tired and call it quits before his contract extension is complete. Jacoby will have plenty of time to develop, learn the Patriots’ style, and take over the position. The time to build and develop for the future is NOW!!!
What Happens To Jimmy?
The former EIU Panther is slated to be the starter for the first four games, if the impending suspension of Tom Brady stands. Honestly, I do not believe Jimmy will be around after his contract expires.
This 2014 second-round pick has talent, and if he does a good job in four starts for the Patriots, he instantly becomes of great value. In this draft, the Patriots executed a trade to give themselves a fourth round pick in next year’s draft. This trade replaced the fourth round pick that was lost as a part of the “Deflategate” punishment.
Bill will find a way to stick it to the league yet again, and I believe the Arlington Heights native will be a part of that scenario. Jimmy can very well be traded at the end of this season or leading into the draft. I can envision the Patriots targeting at least an extra second-round pick to a team that has a need for a QB. The huge “IF” is depending on how comfortable the coaching staff is with Jacoby becoming the only QB left behind Tom. If the staff is not totally sold on Jacoby, there is a chance Garoppolo remains on the team, at least until the next season.
Only Time Will Tell
It is no secret that changes are and will be happening with the Patriots. It is not the easiest task to remain super bowl contenders every year and consistently build for the future.
The AFC East Division Champs are the model team for handling both concepts of now and then. They have to make decisions on the long-term status of their QB position after their future hall of famer retires from the game. I believe the team has placed themselves in a good situation and will transition as smoothly as they can into a new QB era.
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Damian Parson is an Analyst for Couch Rider Report. Follow him on Facebook and Follow/Like us on Facebook or twitter.
