If you're Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots, you're stuck in a bit of an awkward position in the first round, especially given your needs. By the time you're on the clock with the 15th overall pick, at least three or four of the top five quarterback prospects will be gone, and goodness gracious do you need a quarterback if you don't want this offense to drown over the next few years.
After those five, there is a steep cliff that leads to Kyle Trask. He's shown potential, but you're Bill Belichick. You need success now, especially since your ex Tom Brady is waving a new Super Bowl ring in your face from the corner of every room you enter.
So, what do the Patriots do? They've already covered their needs for weaponry and refurbishing the offensive line, and the defense remains strong. All they need is someone to steer the ship on the field.
That helmsman is Justin Fields.
If you're Bill Belichick, you are dreaming if you think you can pass up on Justin Fields, or even just wait for him to fall into your lap. There's a chance that he will fall to 15, as for whatever reason his draft stock has been plummeting for the benefit of Mac Jones, Zach Wilson, and Trey Lance, and if he's waiting for you there, you'd be a fool not to take him.
But this urging goes beyond a prospect you can't pass on. Justin Fields is a prospect that you have to get. He is profiling as Cam Newton did back in the day, with arguably much more arm talent, and captained a feisty Ohio State team that beat Trevor Lawrence. In fact, up until this offseason, he was rumored to even be a rival for the number one pick!
Listen, the Atlanta Falcons and Carolina Panthers are interested in offloading their picks for the right price. Those are two teams drafting in the top ten, and more importantly, ahead of both the Denver Broncos, who desperately need a Drew Lock replacement. Belichick should not sleep on those picks, especially not with a quarterback rookie class this strong.
Sure, the Patriots might be linked to current stars on the trading block. A reunion between Belichick and Jimmy Garoppolo looks like it has a solid chance of happening, Aaron Rodgers is on the outs, and so is Deshaun Watson. All three are better right now, and for the next few years, than Justin Fields.
But they all have glaring holes in their shining pictures. All three are injury risks, Aaron Rodgers is just as prickly as Belichick, and Deshaun Watson is currently in the middle of the biggest personnel scandal in the NFL.
Justin Fields is the only solution here. He has a limitless ceiling, he's plenty polished, and he has shown the ability to lead a team with a tradition of excellence and prestige. That is everything Trevor Lawrence has, and for whatever reason, teams are sleeping on him. Maybe they can afford to, but the Patriots simply can't.
Go get your captain, before he's gone.
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