For the first time since 2000, the New England Patriots will have to decide on a quarterback not named Tom Brady. His run in New England is over and it will continue over the next two seasons in Tampa Bay. This leaves the Patriots with a quarterback competition between Brian Hoyer, Jarrett Stidham, and the quarterback they could choose in the first-round.

Stidham was selected in the fourth-round of the 2019 draft. It is unlikely that he will be ready to step into the starting role. Hoyer recently agreed to a one-year deal worth $1 million with the Patriots. This seems like the contract of a backup quarterback. The only thing left is for New England to draft their quarterback of the future.

Patriots go QB in Round 1?

If the Patriots are looking for the quarterback they select to step in as a starter, they will need to use their first-round pick. They have the No. 23 selection in the upcoming draft. Names like Joe Burrow and Tua Tagovailoa will most likely be gone by then. Justin Herbert has gained interest so the likelihood of him falling to No. 23 is low.

This leaves New England with a few options but none better than Jordan Love. The Utah State product threw for 20 touchdowns and 17 interceptions in 2019. He is a quarterback with a great arm and all the physical tools. The worry surrounding Love is his decision making. If there is one system that can turn your decision making around, it is the Patriots.

Bill Belichick is not high on Stidham. He has been searching for Brady's replacement since trading Jimmy Garoppolo. There is a chance that Love could be taken before the Patriots are on the clock. Maybe New England catches a break and Tagovailoa falls or maybe they can strike a deal to move up and draft their guy. Either way, a quarterback must be taken in this draft and they will have a chance in round one.

Love is a player who will have growing pains going from Utah State to the NFL. What he will have on his side is the best coach in NFL history. New England must improve their offensive line and get some more offensive weapons. If all that happens, Love could step in and find success. It is hard to imagine the Patriots playing Hoyer for one year when they could have a younger player step right into the role.