Patriots land on surprise choice for offensive coordinator
The New England Patriots have hired their offensive coordinator, and it’s not someone who popped up in the numerous reports about their interviews.
As first reported by Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network, the Patriots are hiring former Cleveland Browns offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt to take over the same role under Jerod Mayo. Van Pelt previously spent the 2020-23 seasons with the Browns in his first go-around as an OC.
Prior to the Browns, Van Pelt served as a quarterbacks coach for the Bills, Bucs, Packers, and Bengals. Notably, his time in Green Bay came during the rise of Patriots scouting director Eliot Wolf in the Packers front office. Wolf is described by ESPN’s Mike Reiss as operating “almost like the general manager without the title.”
The most interesting immediate detail is that Van Pelt was a late addition to the race, and apparently rose quickly to the top of the list. According to Mark Daniels of MassLive, Van Pelt was in Foxboro for an interview with the Patriots on Thursday.
New England also interviewed Nick Caley and Luke Getsy in person. Caley seemed to be emerging as a strong candidate for the job, but for now, he remains the tight ends coach for the Los Angeles Rams. The Pats interviewed numerous other candidates for the role, but Van Pelt swooped in and made the strongest impression.
Pelissero later said Van Pelt, a former NFL quarterback himself and coach who has worked extensively with quarterbacks in his career, “could play a big role in developing another” as the Patriots are positioned to “target their quarterback of the future” with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
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Matt Dolloff is a writer and podcaster for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Check out all of Matt’s content.
Barth's 2024 Draft Profiles: LSU QB Jayden Daniels
After a breakout season in 2023, LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels is poised to be a top five pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. He’s a multi-faceted game-changer at the quarterback position, but his prospect makeup doesn’t come without its questions.
Jayden Daniels scouting report
Sep 30, 2023; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; LSU Tigers quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) drops back to pass for a touchdown during the first quarter against the Mississippi Rebels at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
Background
College: LSU
Age: 23
Height: 6’4
Weight: 210
Awards: Heisman Trophy (2023), Walter Camp Award (2023), AP College Football Player of the Year (2023), Davey O’Brien Award (2023), Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award (2023), Consensus All-American (2023), SEC Offensive Player of the Year (2023), All-SEC First Team (2023)
Daniels was a four-star recruit out of Cajon High School in California. He was the second-ranked quarterback (behind Spencer Rattler) and top-ranked dual threat quarterback in the Class of 2019, and committed to Arizona State.
In his first camp at Arizona State Daniels won the starting job, making him the first true freshman starting quarterback in program history. He finished as a runner-up for Pac-12 Freshman Offensive Player of the year. He retained the starting job all three years he was with Arizona State.
In 2022 Daniels transferred to LSU, where his production dramatically increased despite facing tougher SEC defenses. After a promising 2022 season Daniels had a monster 2023 season, capturing the Heisman trophy.
For more player breakdowns, scouting reports, and all things 2024 NFL Draft, check out the 98.5 The Sports Hub Draft Hub page.
