With Brian Hoyer year-to-year and Jarrett Stidham in a contract year, quarterback could be a sneaky big need for the Patriots. Will they address it this weekend?

If any of the quarterbacks from the Felger & Mazz Big Board are the picks, they’d be massive trend breakers. Here’s the three passers on the board.

Desmond Ridder, Cincinnati

Cincinnati Bearcats quarterback Desmond Ridder makes a call to his team against Tulane Green Wave at Yulman Stadium in New Orleans Saturday, October 30, 2021.

Strengths:

–Team captain who plays with confidence and command on the field
–Mobile and athletic but looks to win from the pocket
–Machine-like mechanics and footwork

Weaknesses:

–Deep balls have a tendency to come up short
–Windup slows overall release quickness
–Average elusiveness could bring heavy punishment as a runner

(Source: NFL.com)

Dustin Crum, Kent State

Kent State quarterback Dustin Crum gets past Akron’s Julian Richardson for a second quarter touchdown on Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021 in Akron, Ohio, at InfoCision Stadium.

Strengths:

–Takes care of the football with his decision-making
–Subtle pocket slides to safe launch points
–Slippery zone/read runner with wiggle and tackle breaking

Weaknesses:

–Carries football down by his waist when scanning
–Spins it with below-average velocity
–Struggles to locate backside blitz

(Source: NFL.com)

Brock Purdy, Iowa State

LUBBOCK, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 13: Quarterback Brock Purdy #15 of the Iowa State Cyclones runs with the ball during the first half of the college football game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Jones AT&T Stadium on November 13, 2021 in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images)

Strengths:

–Different quarterback when he finds his rhythm
–Generally accurate passer between the numbers
–Willing to dive to move the chains

Weaknesses:

–Field blinders occasionally rob him of seeing the big play
–Delivery is labored
–Confidence and consistency have been issues

(Source: NFL.com)

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