In his latest column for NBC Sports, Peter King throws out an interesting nugget from one rival general manager.
Evidently, the Patriots love Oregon quarterback Justin Herbert.
"They love Justin Herbert, but enough to trade up for him?" one rival GM said. Pats do have 12 picks—second-most in the draft—for ammo, but only one of those comes in the top 85. If they want Herbert, they'd likely have to be willing to part with the 2021 first-rounder in a trove of picks. After losing out on Hayden Hurst in their latest hunt for a tight end, no way the Pats could reach for versatile Notre Damer Cole Kmet here to solve the tight end problem, is there?
While Herbert has been long thought to be slotted behind Joe Burrow and Tua Tagovailoa it appears the former Oregon standout is climbing up the quarterback rankings.
Of note: Herbert met with Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels at the NFL Scouting Combine.
"Coach McDaniels with the Patriots," Herbert told King at the Combine. "That's a guy I've always watched, always looked up to. I love their offense."
