2020 NFL Draft: 5 Best landing spots for Jacob Eason
By Samuel Teets
4. New England Patriots
The Patriots seem confident in Jarrett Stidham. Signing Brian Hoyer instead of a more capable veteran backup signals Bill Belichick’s willingness to surround the Auburn product with veteran mentors who understand the system.
New England has whiffed on Tom Brady replacements in the past, like Ryan Mallett. However, the team is prepared to play the 2020 season with Stidham at the helm and then make a decision about the franchise’s direction in 2021.
More from NFL Spin Zone
- Dallas Cowboys made the trade everyone else should have made
- Pittsburgh Steelers rookie sleeper everyone should be talking about
- Anthony Richardson putting jaw-dropping talent on display immediately
- Denver Broncos’ stud wide receiver might be out for a while
- Washington Commanders: Three takeaways from win over Ravens
On the other hand, New England could swing on Eason or Fromm in the mid-rounds. Eason offers high upside, and Fromm’s intangibles fit New England’s traditional tastes. With three picks in the third round, don’t be surprised if the Patriots use at least one on a risky quarterback.
3. New Orleans Saints
Sean Payton and the Saints seem fascinated with the idea of Taysom Hill eventually replacing Drew Brees as the team’s starting quarterback. After signing Brees to a two-year, $50 million deal, the team also placed a first-round tender on Hill, meaning the Saints would receive a first-round pick should some other organization pursue Hill.
Payton recently confirmed on a radio show that Hill will serve as Brees’ backup this season. Payton may love Hill, but that gadget player is under-qualified to potentially take over for one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history. That’s why the Saints rolled with Teddy Bridgewater last year instead of Hill when Brees got hurt.
Hill is 6-of-13 on pass attempts at the NFL level. He’s never thrown the ball more than ten times in a season. Even his college tape from BYU is questionable. As a senior, Hill threw 12 touchdowns and 11 interceptions while completing less than 60 percent of his pass attempts.
Eason can’t serve as a gadget player like Hill, but he’s already a better quarterback than the 29-year-old veteran. Payton can have his dreams of starting Hill, but that’s ultimately a poor direction for the franchise to take.