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While Cam Newton’s return via a one-year bonus contract was the biggest story of the day for the New England Patriots on Friday, they were also busy spotting one of the top quarterback prospects- back of the country. The Patriots were among 30 NFL teams in attendance for Trey Lance’s Pro Day in North Dakota, sending their most experienced scout to attend the session.
Matt Groh, who is entering his 11th season with the club’s scouting service, was promoted to his current position as national scout in 2019. As such, he was now tasked with keeping tabs on Lance – a player who would have impressed. during practice to further solidify his position as one of the most intriguing quarterbacks in this year’s draft.
A top four member in the post alongside Trevor Lawrence (Clemson), Zach Wilson (Brigham Young) and Justin Fields (Ohio State), the 20-year-old is expected to leave the board early in the first round. While the Patriots should likely trade the board in order to be able to select it, his advantage certainly makes such a move a realistic option for a team still looking for a long-term solution on the spot.
While Lance is raw and certainly needs time to develop behind the scenes – which he might get in New England with Newton around another year – his combination of physical tools and football IQ makes him a partner. natural organization.
Daniel Jeremiah, senior analyst on the draft for NFL Network, also pointed out during a media conference call earlier this week.
“I could see Bill Belichick having an affinity and a lot of fun with a guy like Trey Lance,” Jeremiah said. “Trey is going to need some time. The only thing that would hold me back is that I don’t know if he will be ready to do it right away. We should be patient with him. But when you talk to the folks in the state of North Dakota, this kid is incredibly smart, which we know the Patriots have always put forward.
“He can lead the fronts, do whatever you need to do at the line of scrimmage. He’s a fantastic athlete and runner. He has a power arm that adapts to weather conditions in that division later in the year. … I just think all the characters I got were irrelevant. This is all in line with what Belichick has always wanted in the team. It’s just, I think, that we’re all kind of guessing in which direction he wants to go on the offensive.
There are a few questions about Lance, however. Not only is a team hoping to live up to their cap someday, but he also enters the draft with just a year of starting experience under his belt: he completed 67% of his throws for 2,786 yards. , 28 touchdowns and not a single interception in 2019, but then opted out of the 2020 season.
Nonetheless, he will hear his name on the first day of this year’s draft. Participation in its Pro Day reflects this.
Nine general managers were in attendance – Ryan Pace (Chicago Bears), George Paton (Denver Broncos), Mike Mayock (Las Vegas Raiders), Joe Douglas (New York Jets), John Schneider (Seattle Seahawks), Scott Fitterer (Carolina Panthers), Rick Spielman (Minnesota Vikings), Terry Fontenot (Atlanta Falcons) and Brad Holmes (Detroit Lions) – as well as head coaches Arthur Smith (Falcons), Matt Nagy (Bears), Dan Campbell (Lions) and Matt Rhule (Panthers) ).
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