Fitzy & Hart: Is there a chance Robert Kraft is caring too much about his team?
Bill Belichick drafted 13 quarterback during his 24-year tenure as the de facto general manager of the New England Patriots.
The most recent? Bailey Zappe, who thanked his former head coach in an Instagram post on Saturday afternoon.
“Thank you, Coach!” the 2022 fourth-round pick wrote (you can view the post here). “Because of you, my lifelong dream of playing in the NFL became a reality. You believed in me and pushed me to become better and wiser each and every day. I've learned so much under your leadership and will carry your teachings with me for the rest of my career.”
Thanks in part to Belichick, Zappe started nine games over the last two seasons with the Patriots, going 4-5 in said starts while throwing ten touchdowns and eight interceptions. The quarterback was asked on Monday if he hoped Belichick would return to New England's sideline in 2024:
“He’s the greatest coach of all time, but that’s above my pay grade,” Zappe said on Monday. “I’ll let those guys handle those things if he’s here, if he’s not here. Of course, that’s coach Belichick and Mr. Kraft’s decision.”
He was also asked if he believes he deserves to be a starter in the NFL.
“Yeah, of course,” the quarterback explained as he stood in front of his locker. “I have the confidence in myself to know that I think that I can lead a team and go out there and win games. Of course, I want that to be here. I’ve always wanted to play in the NFL and I want to be a Patriot.”
New England holds the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, and many predict that they'll select a quarterback. After the Patriots hired Jerod Mayo to be the team's next head coach, it was reported on Saturday that they may wait until after the draft to hire a general manager - if they do at all.
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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