2020 NFL Draft: Complete first round mock delivers pass rusher to Chiefs
23. New England Patriots – Jordan Love, QB, Utah State
Look, the depth chart in New England is going to look funny—even depressing—after Tom Brady’s exit in free agency, but Bill Belichick isn’t ready to play out his final years of coaching with such an uninspired position group at quarterback. Even if Stidham is somehow Next Man Up behind Brady, he’s yet to prove it and there’s room for plenty of competition here.
Jordan Love is the ideal quarterback to bring into the fold in New England—not only for Belichick but a coaching staff who can work wonders with him. Every single wrinkle on Love’s game film can be eased out with experience and coaching. The skill set, however, is as good as any QB in this draft: the stature, the confidence, the arm strength, the athleticism, the quick release.
The only way the Pats ignore the position is if there’s an understanding that a free agent like Jameis Winston or Cam Newton is in the eventual offseason plan. If so, then it makes sense for the Pats to grab the draft’s top linebacker at this point in the draft. (Matt Conner)
Other Players Considered: Kenneth Murray, LB, Oklahoma