Patriots targeting Tom Savage for Brady's replacement

[chad72]

http://q.usatoday.com/2014/04/22/patriots-may-have-found-tom-bradys-replacement/

[PrincetonTiger]

I thought Mallett was their QB of the future

[-JJ-]

I thought Mallett was their QB of the future

no he was a backup in grooming and if panned out would have been possibly.

[Patagonia Chris]

Ah it doesn't really matter at this point. Savage has had injury problems in the past and multiple transfers ate up a majority of his college career.

[Bluefire4]

I thought Mallett was their QB of the future

He's a free agent after this year and they must not want to resign him.

[Dustin]

Hahaha. I hope they waste their firsr rounder on hom.

[PrincetonTiger]

He's a free agent after this year and they must not want to resign him.

Agreed

[Qwiz]

From Tom Terrific to Tom Savage...Belichick likes his toms

[Dustin]

Why take Savage in the last first-early 2nd when you can get Logan Thomas in the 4th?

[mo0nlighting]

Why take Savage in the last first-early 2nd when you can get Logan Thomas in the 4th?

 

Because while Logan Thomas may have the prototypical size...he's horrible as a QB?

[Dustin]

Because while Logan Thomas may have the prototypical size...he's horrible as a QB?

 

Well, he has a ton of natural arm talent and he was surrounded by questionable talent at VT. He's also a tank and runs a 4.5. Greg Cosell said he's further along as a passer than Cam Newton was coming out in 2011. 

 

He's the perfect player to sit on the bench for 2 years and basically re-build his game from scratch. 

 

And using a mid-round pick on a high-ceiling player makes more sense than using a first rounder on a mediocre talent like Savage (who's already 24)  

[JerodMayo51]

I thought Mallett was their QB of the future

 

 

They love Mallet as a backup, but unfortunately he was drafted 2-3 years too early.  Brady is going to be around for at least another 3 or so years, so that would put Mallet around 30 years old.  Theres a chance Brady could play until 42, 43 or even 44 years old the way he takes care of his body.  Hes a pure pocket passer, still has a rocket for an arm and is usually very smart about protecting his body, so it could be possible for him to play into the 40s.

 

The timing on Mallet was just off, but he provided an insurance policy for them.  

 

Im actually quite pleased, because I think that all of these young QBs coming into the league have an exceptionally higher level of athleticism than the Brady/Manning/Brees style QBs and Mallet was like Bledsoe, he was a statue and had almost no mobility.  

 

I'd love for the Pats to go after a guy like Wilson/Kaepernick/Foles/Luck/RG3/Rogers etc, guys that can sling the rock and also make plays with their legs on any given play.  Dual threat QBs are the future, but ones that can excel as a pocket passer will still be the elite ones.  Ones that can do both will be GODS!

[amfootball]

This is the first I have heard of this guy related to the Pats. I would be shocked to see the Pats use their first round pick on him given he is most likely to be there in the later rounds. If this interest is real, it begs the question of what the Pats will do with Mallett. This is his last year so I would think they look at a trade if they do end up taking a QB high in the draft.

[amfootball]

They love Mallet as a backup, but unfortunately he was drafted 2-3 years too early.  Brady is going to be around for at least another 3 or so years, so that would put Mallet around 30 years old.  Theres a chance Brady could play until 42, 43 or even 44 years old the way he takes care of his body.  Hes a pure pocket passer, still has a rocket for an arm and is usually very smart about protecting his body, so it could be possible for him to play into the 40s.

 

The timing on Mallet was just off, but he provided an insurance policy for them.  

 

Im actually quite pleased, because I think that all of these young QBs coming into the league have an exceptionally higher level of athleticism than the Brady/Manning/Brees style QBs and Mallet was like Bledsoe, he was a statue and had almost no mobility.  

 

I'd love for the Pats to go after a guy like Wilson/Kaepernick/Foles/Luck/RG3/Rogers etc, guys that can sling the rock and also make plays with their legs on any given play.  Dual threat QBs are the future, but ones that can excel as a pocket passer will still be the elite ones.  Ones that can do both will be GODS!

Yeah, I agree. I am not a fan of Mallett either. You have to have a guy with wheels going forward. I hope they find a guy more in Cassell's mold - tall, athletic and can move vs. the statues like Mallett.

[PrincetonTiger]

This is the first I have heard of this guy related to the Pats. I would be shocked to see the Pats use their first round pick on him given he is most likely to be there in the later rounds. If this interest is real, it begs the question of what the Pats will do with Mallett. This is his last year so I would think they look at a trade if they do end up taking a QB high in the draft.

Savage is rocketing up draft boards and will not be around very long and if he is the favorite QB of the Pats they will have take him with their 1st Round Pick or trade back into the 2nd to pick him

[Dustin]

This is the first I have heard of this guy related to the Pats. I would be shocked to see the Pats use their first round pick on him given he is most likely to be there in the later rounds. If this interest is real, it begs the question of what the Pats will do with Mallett. This is his last year so I would think they look at a trade if they do end up taking a QB high in the draft.

 

He's not gonna be there in the later rounds. 

[dgambill]

He IS an intriguing prospect. I am much higher on taking a guy like this in rd 2 then any of the day 1 guys people keep throwing around. This is the kind of guy I think Cleveland and Jacksonville and Houston should be targeting in day 2 if you ask me. Get a sure thing like Mack or Watkins or Matthews or Robinson or perhaps Clowney and then in the second get a guy like this or Mecklenburger to learn a year and build around. If a better prospect comes along next year you can take them and trade off this guy or use him to push them. Unless you are certain a guy is a franchise qb and has all the tools to take you to the playoffs...I think day 2 qbs are the best option.

 

As for NE...I would be VERY surprised they take him at the end of rd 1. They are setup to win now with Tom and have depth issues on the OL/DL and at safety. I would be very surprised if they didn't try to get a starter or someone to help right away with that first pick...I would be surprised if they didn't trade up in rd 2 using later picks or a future pick to get to this guy if they feel he is their target. I just feel like them and Denver should be trading up. The window is now...get someone to help right away (and of course they will be there for the future) but go ahead and trade up...these teams don't necessarily need a lot of picks to build their team..guys that may not even make the squad....move up and fill a whole now...because in a couple years they are going to have some huge holes to feel and I'm sorry but the chances of finding a Peyton or Tom in later rounds are pretty slim. Win now...more than likely they will have to rebuild later anyways.

[amfootball]

Savage is rocketing up draft boards and will not be around very long and if he is the favorite QB of the Pats they will have take him with their 1st Round Pick or trade back into the 2nd to pick him

Meh, we'll see. There are a lot of QBs this draft. I think many of them will fall.

[Dustin]

Meh, we'll see. There are a lot of QBs this draft. I think many of them will fall.

 

A 1st-2nd round QB isn't falling to the later rounds. 

[amfootball]

A 1st-2nd round QB isn't falling to the later rounds. 

Every year Qbs drop that are supposed to go in the early rounds. I would be shocked to see the Pats take any QB in the first round given they have pressing needs at TE, WR, pass rusher, safety, etc. They need to draft starters now to fill holes. If he is there later, they may nab him but there will be other QBs as well later on.

[NewColtsFan]

I don't see NE spending their first pick -- whether it's in the first round, or a trade back to the 2nd round -- on a quarterback.

 

The team that found Tom Brady in the 6th round and Ryan Mallet in the 3rd doesn't need to spend their top pick on a quarterback.

The Patriots do NOT like reaching for a player.

 

My guess is they'd like to pick Savage with their 2nd round pick.

 

As for Mallett,   the Pats can either let him walk after this year....   or put some type of 2nd/3rd round tender on him if they want to keep him.    Either way,   it's their decision.

[Dustin]

Every year Qbs drop that are supposed to go in the early rounds. 

 

 

Like who? Matt Barkley is the only recent example I can think of.

[amfootball]

Like who? Matt Barkley is the only recent example I can think of.

Aaron Rodgers, Ben Roethlisberger, Brady Quinn, and even Geno Smith last year who many thought would be a round 1 pick.

[Dustin]

I don't see NE spending their first pick -- whether it's in the first round, or a trade back to the 2nd round -- on a quarterback.

 

The team that found Tom Brady in the 6th round and Ryan Mallet in the 3rd doesn't need to spend their top pick on a quarterback.

The Patriots do NOT like reaching for a player.

 

My guess is they'd like to pick Savage with their 2nd round pick.

 

As for Mallett,   the Pats can either let him walk after this year....   or put some type of 2nd/3rd round tender on him if they want to keep him.    Either way,   it's their decision.

 

If they value Savage as their #1 or even #2 QB then it wouldn't be a reach. 

[Dustin]

Aaron Rodgers, Ben Roethlisberger, Brady Quinn, and even Geno Smith last year who many thought would be a round 1 pick.

 

How are those examples of players dropping to lower rounds? 

 

Those guys went maybe ~15 picks from where they were projected to go. Not entire rounds. And Ben went 11 overall. He went right where he was projected to, behind Eli and Rivers. 

[amfootball]

How are those examples of players dropping to lower rounds? 

 

Those guys went maybe ~15 picks from where they were projected to go. Not entire rounds. And Ben went 11 overall. He went right where he was projected to, behind Eli and Rivers. 

Right they dropped. A guy like this who is older will not go in the first round. Not with the other QBs that are there. And historically under Belichick, the Pats have never used a top pick on a QB. They got Brady in round 6, Cassel in round 7, Mallett in 3 and Hoyer was undrafted. They are in WIN mode right now. They will draft starters at the top of the draft.

[NewColtsFan]

If they value Savage as their #1 or even #2 QB then it wouldn't be a reach. 

 

Considering Brady is going to play for a number of more years, then I think they will view it as a reach.

 

Spending your first pick on a guy who isn't going to play for 2 or 3 or 4 more years is NOT the Patriot way.

 

This is not the Packers plucking Aaron Rodgers at 24 and having him sit behind Bret Favre.  (who they didn't think was going to play 3 more years)

[Dustin]

Right they dropped. A guy like this who is older will not go in the first round. Not with the other QBs that are there. And historically under Belichick, the Pats have never used a top pick on a QB. They got Brady in round 6, Cassel in round 7, Mallett in 3 and Hoyer was undrafted. They are in WIN mode right now. They will draft starters at the top of the draft.

Brandon Weeden went in the first round at 28. And of course they've never used a high pick on a QB. They already had Brady.

[Dustin]

Considering Brady is going to play for a number of more years, then I think they will view it as a reach.

Spending your first pick on a guy who isn't going to play for 2 or 3 or 4 more years is NOT the Patriot way.

This is not the Packers plucking Aaron Rodgers at 24 and having him sit behind Bret Favre. (who they didn't think was going to play 3 more years)

Brady's got probably 2 maybe 3 years left in him. Dude is 37 and already showing signs of decline.

[Dustin]

ESPN's Todd McShay said on NFL Insiders that Tom Savage will be a "top-40 pick, in all likelihood." Teams "in love" with Savage's arm.

— Evan Silva (@evansilva)

April 23, 2014

[amfootball]

Brandon Weeden went in the first round at 28. And of course they've never used a high pick on a QB. They already had Brady.

Huh? Brady has been on the back half for quite some time and still they have not picked high at the position. Brady still has 2-3 years left and could play into his 40s given his arm strength and the fact that he rarely leaves the pocket. They won't take a QB that high IMO. They will draft needs and get starters.

[amfootball]

Brady's got probably 2 maybe 3 years left in him. Dude is 37 and already showing signs of decline.

What signs of decline?

[BOTT]

Why take Savage in the last first-early 2nd when you can get Logan Thomas in the 4th?

They do need a TE....

[ColtsBlueFL]

Every year Qbs drop that are supposed to go in the early rounds. I would be shocked to see the Pats take any QB in the first round given they have pressing needs at TE, WR, pass rusher, safety, etc. They need to draft starters now to fill holes. If he is there later, they may nab him but there will be other QBs as well later on.

 

IMO, there's not a QB worth a first round draft pick.  But a few teams need a QB badly, so a few of those will reach to get one. 

[Colts_Fan12]

IMO, there's not a QB worth a first round draft pick. But a few teams need a QB badly, so a few of those will reach to get one.

Not worth a first round draft pick? Not the first overall but there are QBs worth a 1st round pick

[Dustin]

What signs of decline?

Go re-watch the AFCCG.

[amfootball]

Go re-watch the AFCCG.

Oh please. One game is your basis? Did you miss when he absolutely torched the Broncos in the second half in the wind just a few weeks earlier? And while the AFCCG was not his best game, it was far from his worst with 63 percent completion and 2 TDs and no picks.

 

And by that standard, should I also assume Manning should hang them up now given his performance in the SB??

[Dustin]

Oh please. One game is your basis? Did you miss when he absolutely torched the Broncos in the second half in the wind just a few weeks earlier? And while the AFCCG was not his best game, it was far from his worst with 63 percent completion and 2 TDs and no picks.

And by that standard, should I also assume Manning should hang them up now given his performance in the SB??

He was terrible in the AFCCG. I don't know what game you were watching. He missed at least 4 TDs and couldn't score until garbage time. Brady was pretty average overall throughout the season.

As for Manning, I also think they should draft a QB early this year.

[GoPats]

Go re-watch the AFCCG.

 

Oh stop it... you're too smart to believe that hooey.  ;)

 

QBs who rely on their physical skills see the decline. Brady's arm is just fine and his legs were never there to begin with. So unless you're saying he's actually slipping mentally and going senile or something... not a chance. 

 

On topic though, the Patriots will not use their first round pick on a QB. I read months ago (before he shot up the boards) that they had interest in Savage. 

 

What's more likely is that they'll unload the 29th pick to some QB-needy team (assuming some of them are still around) and trade down for additional spots. If they pick at 29 it will be a defensive lineman or possibly a TE, depending on how it plays out with the first 28 teams. 

[amfootball]

He was terrible in the AFCCG. I don't know what game you were watching. He missed at least 4 TDs and couldn't score until garbage time. Brady was pretty average overall throughout the season.

As for Manning, I also think they should draft a QB early this year.

lol. 4 TDs. Try 2. One early to Edelman and one late in the first half to Collie that may or may not have been a TD if he caught it in stride. Statiscally Brady had a below season compared to his other seasons given his whole receiving corp changed over but he still led the Pats the second seed with 5 game winning drives/comebacks. His arm strength still looks great as well as his decision-making. He has never had a great deep ball except for when he had Moss as that was really the only time in the last several seasons that he has had a legit deep threat.

 

Why does Denver need to address QB? They have Osweiller.