6 rings: What do the Patriots do with J.C. Jackson?
With the results of the 2023 NFL season already essentially a forgone conclusion for the Patriots (no playoff berth, potential offseason changes, etc.), the 'Tankathon', NFL Mock Draft, and scoreboard watching have already begun just under two weeks into November.
The latest iteration from Bleacher Report may excite some Patriots fans.
B/R's Brent Sobleski published his 'Week 10 Buzz and Best Prospect Fits for League's Worst Teams" on Friday morning, and wrapped it up with a top-10 2024 NFL Mock Draft. With the fourth overall pick, he has the Patriots selecting generational quarterback Caleb Williams from USC.
"The New England Patriots spent the last four seasons without Tom Brady completely rudderless," Sobleski wrote. "The mystique of the previous dynasty is long gone. The lack of talent found on the roster is startling. The coaching staff's overall ineptitude has been clearly on display. The Patriots are now an afterthought. Questions about Bill Belichick's status with the organization have even arisen."
The undisputed No. 1 overall pick heading into this season, Williams' draft stock has taken a smidgen of a hit over the last month as his Trojans have lost three out of their last four games. He personally, however, has continued to perform. The 6-foot-1 signal-caller leads the nation in touchdown passes (28) and is second in yards (2,958).
Following USC's 52-42 loss to the Washington Huskies at the LA Memorial Coliseum last weekend, Williams could be seen crying with his family in the stands and took a lot of heat for it. He spoke about the incident this week:
“I’ve been an advocate for mental health, trying to show your emotions and express yourself, things like that,” Williams said to the Orange County Register’s Luca Evans. “It’s something I’ve been doing since I was young and now, being on the national level, being able to try and share that awareness with the public.”
“Me doing just what I did on Saturday, even though it was far from what I was trying to do, it showed and spread that kind of awareness,” Williams continued. “It just shows truth in what I speak. Being able to share that, being authentic is important.”
For someone who had previously been criticized for not caring about winning or losing, the fact that he's now the center of an opposite controversy just goes to show the challenges of being constantly in the spotlight.
At the end of the day, Williams is the reigning Heisman Trophy winner and at one point was considered to be the best draft prospect since Andrew Luck. If he's on the board at No. 4 overall an the Patriots are there, they shouldn't over think it.
Make sure to follow Mike on Twitter @mikekadlick, and follow @WEEI for the latest up-to-date Patriots and Boston sports news!
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