The Patriots would be wise to come out of the 2014 draft with a developmental quarterback in a post-round-1 scenario.
On a day when in-house visits from top quarterback prospects Johnny Manziel and Teddy Bridgewater have created some buzz, here is a list of more likely options for the team (with help from ESPN’s Scouts Inc.):
Tom Savage (Pittsburgh): Entering the draft after his senior year, he looks the part (6-foot-3 7/8, 228 pounds), has sound mechanics, and has experience in terms of working under center and making pro-style reads. As a double-transfer in college, he could benefit from some stability, similar to Ryan Mallett over the last three years in New England.
A.J. McCarron (Alabama): The 6-foot-3 1/4, 220-pound McCarron enters the draft after his senior year and has a solid combination of physical measureables and intangibles desired at the position. Has played in a lot of big games and operated in a pro-style system.
Stephen Morris (Miami): The 6-foot-1 7/8 and 213-pound Morris was a team captain who showed a knack for managing the two-minute offense, and is one of the faster quarterbacks in this year’s draft.
Logan Thomas (Virginia Tech): Off-the-charts physical measureables and a player whose immense physical talents could be harnessed with solid coaching.
Zach Mettenberger (LSU): Another bigger quarterback (6-foot-4 7/8, 224 pounds) who is known for his smarts, he’s delivered in some big-time college environments. He enters the draft after his senior season and is recovering from a torn ACL.