Patriots draft QB Jarrett Stidham in 4th round

The New England Patriots have selected quarterback Jarrett Stidham out of Auburn in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft, 133rd overall.

With Tom Brady turning 42 before the start of the 2019 season, speculation will arise of whether the former Tiger will be Brady's eventual successor.

Stidham threw for 2,794 yards, 18 touchdowns, and five interceptions in his 13 starts in 2018.

School: Auburn
Height: 6-2
Weight: 218 lbs

Strengths

• Decent arm strength
• Showed accuracy to all levels, good decision-making, and poise in 2017
• Maintains accuracy when throwing on the run
• Toughness to stand in and deliver a throw under pressure
• Can make plays as a runner

Weaknesses

• Accuracy, decision-making, and poise all suffered last season
• First instinct is to escape the pocket rather than move within it
• A lot of wide-open completions, never really had success challenging tight windows

Bottom line

Stidham could be generating a lot more buzz if he had built upon his impressive 2017 season. Instead, he took some significant steps back as part of a disappointing Auburn offense. If a team can get him back to his previous development path, where he showed accuracy and good decision-making to go with his abilities to make plays on the run, he could have a future as a starter. Coaching and team situation will be a major factor in unlocking that potential.

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