The Patriots miserable season has officially ended. The talk over the next few days will be the future of head coach Bill Belichick. Will ownership move on from the coach that brought them 6 championships? The team has not won a playoff game in 5 seasons and 4-13 is unacceptable. One thing about going 4-13 is you now have a top 3 pick in next years NFL Draft.

The quarterback position for the Patriots needs and overhaul. Mac Jones will still be under contract and the team will no offer a once thought option on a 5th season. Bailey Zappe will compete for a job in the league and will be under contact. The team did activate Nathan Rourke as the back up QB but will be a camp body. There are some veteran names that will be available such as Baker Mayfield, Russell Wilson and Kirk Cousins. What the bears do at the top of the draft will have implications on the draft and the Patriots next quarterback.

The 3rd overall pick should set the Patriots up with their next long term signal caller. Let’s take a loo at QBs who have been taken 3rd overall since 2000;

‘02: Joey Harrington
‘06: Vince Young
‘08: Matt Ryan
‘14: Blake Bortles
‘18: Sam Darnold
‘21: Trey Lance

Not the greatest names on this list. Sam Darnold, will be a free agent which could find a trade partner with the Patriots for Jones. The lack of success at the ldraft position should concern some people. The team can also leapfrog the  commanders by making a trade with the bears who have the number 1 pick.

There are 4 potential 1st round quarterbacks in the 2023 draft. Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, Jayden Daniels and Michel Penix.  The 3rd overall pick hasn’t been a success in the draft, but it shouldn’t scare the Patriots. If it does, get ready for an offensive lineman or even a trade back. Especially if Bill Belichick is making the pick.