Patriots have “a ton of interest” in top quarterback prospect as potential first round pick

The 2019 NFL Draft is days away the time is ripe for misinformation as teams throw smokescreens around prospects of interest- and the New England Patriots aren’t an exception.

The latest news from the Patriots is their supposed interest in West Virginia quarterback Will Grier, who the team could select at the end of the first round according to NFL Draft Analyst Tony Pauline.

“Where could Grier land?,” Pauline questions. “As early as the late part of Round 1 and no later than the middle portion of the second frame. Who could draft the Mountaineers quarterback? The New England Patriots have shown a ton of interest in Grier and could draft him as the first round closes out. The New York Giants also like Grier, and he could be their fallback plan if they don’t take a signal caller in Round 1. The Carolina Panthers also have an infatuation with Grier and will consider him in the second round.”

Grier is an interesting prospect because his on-field production is bested only by top 2 draft picks like Sam Bradford, Robert Griffin III, Jameis Winston, Marcus Mariota, Baker Mayfield, and projected top overall picks Kyler Murray and Tua Tagovailoa, or by a player that should have been taken first overall in Russell Wilson.

And yet he’s considered a third- or fourth-round prospect, with some thinking he’s only the fifth-best quarterback prospect in this draft class, behind Murray, Dwayne Haskins, Drew Lock, and Daniel Jones. Some might even have him behind Tyree Jackson or Ryan Finley.

Grier was one of the best quarterbacks in the country when he was not pressured, dominated with quick passes as well as with deep passes, and avoided turnover-worthy plays. He needs to get better at handling pressure, but is otherwise one of the strongest quarterback prospects in the draft.

I’ve always liked Grier as a fit with the Patriots and if New England likes him, too, then taking him in the first round to get that fifth-year option makes a lot of sense when preparing to transition away from Tom Brady.

Pauline also reports that the Patriots have officially met with Charlotte offensive guard Nate Davis, a round three prospect, and that New England is interested in BYU linebacker Sione Takitaki.