New England Patriots: Early 3-round 2019 mock draft

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KNOXVILLE, TN – NOVEMBER 17: Drew Lock #3 of the Missouri Tigers throws the ball during the second half of the game between the Missouri Tigers and the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium on November 17, 2018 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Missouri won the game 50-17. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images) /

Round 1: Drew Lock, QB, Missouri

Will this be the year that Tom Brady slows down? Whether or not Brady shows signs of decline shouldn’t deter the New England Patriots away from drafting a quarterback. In the past, the Patriots have waited to take quarterbacks either in the second or third rounds. In the 2018 NFL Draft, there were rumors of the Patriots flirting with Lamar Jackson, which obviously turned out to be erroneous.

So, drafting a quarterback in the first round isn’t out of the possibility. Moreover, this draft isn’t loaded with talent so the earlier the better. Trading one of their many second day picks to move up makes sense.

Trading up for Missouri quarterback Drew Lock is possible. Lock is the ideal backup to sit behind Tom Brady as insurance. The reason: Lock is quite similar to former Patriot, now 49ers quarterback, Jimmy Garoppolo when he was coming out of Eastern Illinois.

Lock’s 6-3, 225 pounds listed measurables resembles Garoppolo’s 6-2, 226 pounds. Starting with the bad, Lock has less than desirable accuracy on the deep ball and a tendency lock in on one read. Now on to the good.

Lock has a quick delivery and ability to make every throw. His athleticism, poise and arm strength are qualities he shares with Garoppolo. One can argue that Lock has a better, more elite arm.

Like Garoppolo, he can come in and sit behind Brady. Should an injury occur, he’s capable of handling duties. This is Tom against time — and time is ticking. So the Patriots must get there guy this year. The Missouri product is a lock for the Patriots.

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