As the NFL Draft approaches, chatter about the Patriots trading up for a quarterback continues to intensify. Earlier this week, Mel Kiper predicted the Patriots will trade up to grab Justin Fields, calling it the potential “steal” of the draft.
On Friday, Stephen A. Smith added his voice to the growing chorus clamoring for Bill Belichick to target Tom Brady’s heir apparent.
“Bill Belichick needs a quarterback, plain and simple,” Smith said Friday on “First Take,” via Boston.com.
Though Smith is an ardent support of Cam Newton, he rightfully recognizes the former MVP is an inadequate passer at this stage in his career. Last season, the Patriots were 30th in passing.
To alleviate their downfield woes, Smith says the Patriots should prioritize Fields, who once appeared destined to be selected at No. 2 overall before his apparent slide.
“When you consider (Field’s) arm talent, his size, his athleticism, his speed, this is a guy you got to take a strong hard look at and see if you can do all you can to get him,” Smith said. “If you can’t get it him, then go for Trey Lance or go for Mac Jones. But you better get somebody. Because Jarrett Stidham isn’t the answer in my opinion. And I don’t think Cam Newton is the long-term answer.”
Though Belichick was predictably ambiguous Thursday about his draft plans, he acknowledged he’s taking a more collaborative approach this year to preparation.
“Dave Ziegler, Eliot Wolf and Matt Groh have really carried the ball on this,” Belichick told reporters. “They’ve done a ton of work and their respected staffs that they oversee as well. In particular, those three guys have really done a tremendous amount of work, evaluation, organization and have done a great job of putting things together.”
Those details are significant when it comes to Fields, since Josh McDaniels led New England’s continent at his second Pro Day. Belichick didn’t attend.
Admittedly, it would be unprecedented for Belichick to move aggressively for Fields, or any prized young quarterback. Since 2000, the Patriots have made 14 trades involving a move up or down in the first round, and never moved inside of the top 10.
But they’ve never been in this situation before. Armed with the No. 15 overall pick, the Patriots seemingly possess the capital to move up a few spots, and despite spending nearly $160 million in guaranteed money on free agents, still lack a dependable QB.
If Stephen A. can see it, then we all can.