Former NFL GM – New England Patriots blog lauds New England Patriots’ selection for QB Bailey Zappe

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Notes and quick thoughts around FOXBOROUGH, Mass. New England PatriotsNFL:

1. Happy with ZappeThe third day of the Olympics saw one of the most memorable moments on ESPN's broadcast. 2022 NFL draftThe Patriots chose Western Kentucky as their quarterback. Bailey ZappeLate in the fourth round, (No. 137).

Rece Davis, host, said what many Patriots fans might have thought: Please help me to understand this selection, especially after I have selected it. Mac Jonesin the first round last year and with other notable needs, primarily on defense.

It inspired a lively discussion between analysts Todd McShay & Louis Riddick that covered how it can make business sense to draft and train quarterbacks.

This was the case for Randy Mueller, former NFL GM who worked in the front offices. Seattle Seahawks, New Orleans SaintsAnd Miami DolphinsWhile with the Saints, he was the NFL Executive of Year 2000. He applauded Zappe's pick.

“I wasn't surprised. You're trying to find traits in players at that stage of the draft that perhaps not everyone sees. And Bill I believe. [Belichick]Mueller stated that Mueller and his team did a great job across all positions.

Bailey Zappe has many positive aspects that I see. It's hard to ignore the draft until the third day. All seem to want to meet needs. [the draft]But I am more concerned about getting the best players, and not ignoring good players to fill in for gaps. Bailey is one of those guys. But, I doubt everyone does.

Mueller Football Advising Services is Mueller's current business. He studied every quarterback in the draft. Mueller rated Zappe, a 6-foot-1, 215-pound quarterback, No. 2nd only to the first-round pick Kenny Pickett (No. 20 to the Steelers

Mueller stated, “Everyone has a different criteria, but I saw a guy who sees and anticipates and processes all from the pocket combined with some accuracy because he has lots of arm.”

He is a much bigger player than 6-foot quarterbacks. His vision and anticipation from the field is a plus. Russell Wilsonor anything, but… he trend more in this line because of his anticipatory skills set.”

In 2021, Zappe was a superstar. He completed 475 of 686 passes (69.2%) for 5,967 yards with 61 touchdowns. After Zach Kittley, his offensive coordinator, Zappe had transferred from Houston Baptist to Western Kentucky.

Mueller praised Zappe's production and skill set in his high rating.

“The other men, for me, it's a leap in faith in the ability process, anticipate, throw on time and still be athletic enough move within the pocket,” said he.

“I believe that he's a natural. He throws with the correct trajectory and with great touch. Many of the second- and third level things he does are something I've seen quarterbacks with a career spanning four to five years not be able do. He's a better learner than most people give him credit for.

2. Mueller's memory:Mueller was an ESPN analyst from 2002 to 2005. He visited Patriots practice, the first time he'd ever been to a training camp outside of that for which he worked. He was struck by one thing that day.

“I can still remember watching.” Tom BradyHe was in Year 3-4 of his career. His attention to detail combined with his footwork inside the pocket made this an important year. Mueller added that the fact that he was still working at that stuff stuck with him forever.

“I believe that's one thing Tom doesn't get enough credit to for — the…” [movement]With footwork and everything else, within the pocket Bailey also did some of this. [Zappe].”

3. Early riserJoe Judge, the Patriots assistant who works with the quarterbacks said that Zappe was at the facility early Tuesday morning “trying not to get behind.” It is often the best way of making a good first impression on coaches. As Zappe said, it might have been necessary. Tyquan ThorntonAnd running back Pierre Strong Jr.To attend the event, we left the city later in the week. NFLPA Rookie PremiereCalifornia's annual event that introduces top-marketable rookies to sponsors.

4. Kraft's note:Who knew? Robert Kraft, Patriots' owner, received a Lifetime Achievement Award (Sports Business Journal) on Wednesday night. Eli Manning explained to the crowd that Kraft sent him a handwritten note of congratulations five days after Manning and his Giants beat the Patriots in Super Bowl XLII. Manning stated, “The handwritten note's impact has made a lasting impression on me over the years.”

5. Vince's honor:It is still not clear when Vince Wilfork will be inducted into the Patriots Hall of Fame, but it would seem fitting that he be honored at halftime of the Ravens home opener on Sept. 25. Wilfork explained that the 23-20 win against Baltimore on Jan. 22, 2012 is his most memorable game. He rose in the fourth quarter to make a crucial play. two clutch plays on defenseRay Rice was run down by the running back and harassed by the quarterback on a third-and-3. Joe FlaccoYou can also stop at the fourth-down position.

6. Perkins' prep:The Patriots are missing a significant linebacker outside. Matthew Judon, and the 2021 third-round selection Ronnie PerkinsOne candidate for the job is Oklahoma. Perkins was buried behind the depth charts and didn't play in a regular-season match as a rookie. Kyle Van Noy, Jamie CollinsOther. Steve Belichick, the coach for outside linebackers, said Perkins has been in Foxborough all season to be in the best place to “take a leap forward.”

Belichick stated, “All that matters at the end is what happens when the pads are on.” “But he's done all right up until this point.”

7. Wade makes a fresh startTo acquire rookie cornerback, the Patriots traded their fifth- and seventh-round picks Shaun WadeHe was drafted by the Ravens in September last year, but only three games were played as a reserve due to injuries and acclimating. Mike Pellegrino, Cornerbacks coach, said that Wade is a “fresh start”. He's 6-foot-1 and 191 pounds. Wade is also “a longer guy with good speed.” Pellegrino said that Wade is showing improvement after being given some coaching points.

Cornerback is a position where Patriots have an open competition. Jalen Mills, Malcolm Butler, Jonathan Jones, Marcus Jones, Jack JonesAnd Terrance MitchellPellegrino repeatedly repeated the phrase “best guys will play”

The offseason storylines that New England has to cover include Wade's fit — similar in style to Perkins at the outside linebacker — and several other stories.

8. Fins upWhy is the Patriots opening the season alongside the Dolphins for the third consecutive year? Partly because Miami asked to be on the road in Week 2, due to Lady Gaga's concert at Hard Rock Stadium. This increased their chances of being at home in the opening week, reducing their opponent options to seven (Buffalo was already set to face the Rams). When considering all other factors, the Patriots were the pick. However, you shouldn't expect a Patriots – Dolphins Sunday opener in 2023. “I can assure you that we'll keep an ear on New England and Miami in Week 1 next year,” stated Mike North, NFL Vice President of Broadcasting.

9. Walsh's legacy:Ross Douglas joined Patriots 2021 as an NFL coaching fellowship/defense. This spring, he has flipped to work alongside Troy Brown. Douglas hails from Avon, Ohio and credits Joe Kim, New England director for skill development, with helping him get in the door. Douglas met Kim when he was five years old, while taking his taekwondo class. Douglas also thanks Bill Walsh for his help, as Douglas' position was possible because of his. diversity fellowship program.

Douglas stated, “It means absolutely nothing to me.” “There are many talented college football coaches, but it is difficult to get into the NFL buildings, whether it's due to lack of resources or lack of connections. That's the gateway.

10. Did you know that?Four NFL teams played their two first regular-season games last season on the road. This is how the Patriots will open 2022 (at Miami or Pittsburgh). Both the Broncos and Niners won the games. The Cowboys split and the Vikings lost both.