New England Patriots: 5 First-round targets in the 2018 NFL Draft
4. Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville
There’s no reason why the Patriots shouldn’t look to get Tom Brady’s replacement in this draft. Taking the dynamic playmaking quarterback out of Louisville, Lamar Jackson, with one of their two first-round picks makes a ton of sense. Jackson would give them the type of player who could make the deficiencies that will come about in the offense should Tom Brady get hurt sting a bit less.
If he doesn’t, then drafting Jackson would prove that the Pats are looking to the future of a modernized NFL. In fact, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Bill Belichick is intrigued by the prospect of having Lamar Jackson.
Relatively quietly, the #Patriots hosted #Louisville QB Lamar Jackson on a Top 30 pre-draft visit, sources say. The visit, which took place 2 weeks ago, left the organization “intrigued and impressed” with Heisman Trophy winner. They may have the option at No. 23.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 23, 2018
It may not seem like an ideal fit for the Patriots, but this organization isn’t always about fit. What the Patriots do is take talented players and change their system to fit those on their roster — you know, what all good teams and organizations should do in the NFL.
Jackson wouldn’t be any different, especially with the success of Russell Wilson, Cam Newton, and most recently — albeit for only a very brief moment — Deshaun Watson. No. 23 may be the best slot for Jackson since there are other teams interested in his services.