NFL Draft 2018: Why Did Patriots Passed On Lamar Jackson?

Last season, the New England Patriots dropped their opening four games at home. They are merely 9-8 at Gillette Stadium since Tom Brady left. They’ll have to go beyond one of their biggest draft mistakes, not taking Lamar Jackson,  against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday if they want to end that run of unacceptably mediocre performance.

Lamar Jackson
Lamar Jackson

Lamar Jackson will visit the area.

Tom Brady was 41 years old in 2018, and the Patriots had two first-round picks in the draft. New England passed on Jackson despite a positive pre-draft visit, trading away backup Jimmy Garoppolo and only having 33-year-old journeyman Brian Hoyer as its quarterback. Some things never change.

Lamar Jackson Development

Jackson has become one of the most explosive quarterbacks in football since being selected by the Ravens with the 32nd overall choice in the 2018 NFL Draft. The former Louisville standout has made teams regret not taking him sooner in the first round after winning the NFL MVP title in 2019.

The Patriots, who selected offensive tackle, Isaiah Wynn, with the number 23 pick and running back Sony Michel with the number 31, maybe one of those clubs.

Did they make a mistake in not drafting him?

I make that claim in light of how many picks in the 30s and 40s the Patriots wasted over time. Duke Dawson, Joejuan Williams, and so on are only a few examples. Numerous second-round picks, which 31 theoretically is, went to players who didn’t really contribute. The Patriots had the option of signing Lamar Jackson, and they were aware that they would soon require a quarterback.

In addition to becoming the best athlete at his position in the current NFL, he has also improved over the course of his career to become a remarkably proficient passer. We know he’s already received an MVP. I can appreciate the Patriots’ perspective during that particular season. I believe they selected a left tackle and a running back for Tom Brady in an effort to maximize his time in New England. But I thought that was a little too naive.

A Look At The Patriot Draft 2018

Round Pick Player Position School
1 23 Isaiah Wynn Offensive tackle Georgia
1 31 Sony Michel Running back Georgia
2 56 Duke Dawson Defensive back Florida
5 143 Ja’Whaun Bentley Linebacker Purdue
6 178 Christian Sam Linebacker Arizona State
6 210 Braxton Berrios Wide receiver Miami
7 219 Danny Etling Quarterback LSU
7 243 Keion Crossen Cornerback Western Carolina
7 250 Ryan Izzo Tight end Florida State

 

The league’s most explosive offensive player is still Jackson. He completed 21 of 29 passes for 319 yards and three touchdowns in last week’s 42-38 loss to the Miami Dolphins. For extra amusement, he also ran for 119 yards and a score.

Jackson has amassed 528 total yards with five touchdowns and just one interception in two outings versus the Patriots. He has been responsible for 667 of Baltimore’s 747 yards and all seven of their touchdowns in those games, which were split 1-1.

Through two games, the Patriot’s defence has been solid. But it seems to reason that Belichick would prefer to work on a game plan with Lamar Jackson than one that focused on stopping him.

 

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