Patriots’ 2022 Draft Class Focus: Record-Setting QB In Captivating Fourth Round Selection
In another shocking turn of events, the Patriots chose to go into full crazy mode on day three of the draft, selecting quarterback Bailey Zappe with pick 137 overall.
Initially, picking Zappe may seem confusing. But once that feeling subsides, it is one of the more sensible picks of the draft by Belichick.
If you have paid attention to how Belichick has drafted over the years, drafting a quarterback just one year after picking his current quarterback is not much of a shocker. Since 2010, the Patriots have drafted eight quarterbacks, tying the New York Jets for the most in the NFL during that time. And let’s not forget, Belichick had Tom Brady for 10 years since then and still brought in numerous QBs.
Over the years, the Patriots have been quite good at maintaining depth for the majority of their team, including that of the quarterback. Given the current state of the QBs they have, Zappe’s pick makes a lot of sense for the team going forward.
What Was The General Reaction To This Pick?
As concern grew amongst fans over the Patriots’ draft choices to that point, many were stunned with their selection of a quarterback just one year after drafting Mac Jones.
The confusion that began from the previous rounds continued as Bailey Zappe was picked, mostly due to the position not being one that needed to be addressed. The Patriots currently roster both Brian Hoyer and Jarrett Stidham as backups to Mac Jones, leaving the question of “why?” regarding choosing to draft Zappe.
The answer to that question is pretty simple, though. Stidham is set to be in the final year of his contract. And Hoyer is 36 years old. Adding depth to the quarterback position is far more important than people realize. Having an adequate player to take over for your starter should be valued, and Bill Belichick is no stranger to doing just that.
Of course with this pick, the media chose to twist the narrative into the Patriots being unhappy with Jones. They pushed their theory further with claims that Zappe could potentially be a replacement for the upcoming season. However, Belichick and company have given no indication of its validity and many sources have repeated the team’s praises of Jones.
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Who is Bailey Zappe?
HEIGHT: 6′ 0 1/2″
WEIGHT: 215 LBS
HANDS: 9 3/4″
ARMS: 31 3/8″ COMBINE STATS:
40-YARD DASH: 4.88
VERTICAL JUMP: 30″
BROAD JUMP: 109″
3-CONE DRILL: 7.19
20-YARD SHUFFLE: 4.4
Originally from Victoria, Texas, Bailey Zappe was a no-star recruit out of high school, even after an impressive senior year season. He received only one scholarship offer to attend Houston Baptist University, which he did for four years.
A redshirted freshman, Zappe would play three seasons as the team’s quarterback. During his time with the Huskies, he amassed an impressive resume: 740 completions with a 61.9% completion, 10,004 yards, 78 touchdowns, and 39 interceptions in 36 total games.
In 2021, Zappe chose to continue college for another year under the NCAA’s extra year of eligibility due to COVID-19. Because of this, he chose to hit the transfer portal and moved on to Western Kentucky University.
The change of scenery appeared to electrify Zappe’s game, as he broke record after record in the one season he played for the Hilltoppers. Throughout the 14 games played, he totaled 476 completions with a 69.3% completion, 5,967 yards, 62 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions.
Because of his phenomenal performance all season long, Zappe broke the FBS single-season records for passing touchdowns and passing yards.
His unbelievable production continued as his team attended the Boca Raton Bowl to play against the Appalachian State Mountaineers. In their big win, which earned him the game’s MVP award, Zappe totaled 33 completions with 70% completion, 422 yards, and six touchdowns.
Football Accomplishments
An honorable mention All-Southland Conference in 2018
Named a Walter Payton Award finalist after leading the FCS with 35 passing touchdowns in 2019
NCAA single-season record in 2021 for passing yards and touchdowns
The 2021 Conference USA Most Valuable Player
First-team all-league selection in 2021
Boca Raton Bowl MVP in 2021
Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award Winner in 2021
Pro Football Network Offensive Player of the Year and Quarterback of the Year for the 2021 season
To check out more of his most recent accomplishments, click here!
Why Did The Patriots Make This Selection?
The simplest way to answer this question is depth. Mac Jones will be starting his second year in the NFL in 2022 and adding reliable players behind him is key. It’s clear the Patriots aren’t exactly thrilled with Jarrett Stidham, as he has quietly moved down the depth chart over the last few years. And although Brian Hoyer is a seasoned Patriot, he’s sliding into more of a mentor role for quarterbacks than remaining a true backup.
It’s unlikely the Patriots won’t use Hoyer in some capacity during the season, whether it is to finish a game when they’re ahead or if Jones sustains an injury. But at 36 years old, it was an easy choice for Belichick to add a younger player to the roster for “just in case” scenarios.
Although he won’t be competing for the starting job, selecting Zappe benefits the team long-term. They will have a young backup quarterback on a rookie contract for at least four years. And if he develops and improves over that time, Belichick could possibly trade him to pick up some draft capital.
This is nothing new for the Belichick era in New England. Even with Tom Brady as the quarterback for two decades, he consistently drafted quarterbacks during that time. Matt Cassel, Jimmy Garoppolo, and Jacoby Brissett have all not only started for the Patriots since they were drafted. But they also were traded, giving New England some sort of return on their investment.
Time will tell what exactly the plan is for Zappe in New England. In the short term, he adds depth to an iffy backup roster and could potentially help motivate Jones in the upcoming season.
What Does Zappe Need To Improve On?
Arm strength: He has a great arm for short and intermediate throws, and he can throw downfield when he makes a quick throw. But he lacks the consistency to drive the ball down the field
Decision making: Accuracy hasn’t shown to be an issue, but when he has made mistakes that ended in an interception, it was due to a bad decision and/or lack of anticipation prowess
Lack of true competition in college: Because he attended smaller schools, he faced less competitive talent on the football field. Adjustments will need to be made as he comes into the NFL to keep up in the pros
Quotes From Draft Analysts:
“Stocky pocket passer with eye-popping production in high-volume passing attacks. Zappe is a confident passer willing to challenge both man or zone coverages on all three levels. His release quickness and arm strength are both below average and he might not work with the anticipation or decision-making prowess to overcome those areas of concern.” Lance Zierlein of NFL.com
“Zappe has been the toast of the town and led the high-powered aerial offense for Western Kentucky last season. Though he’s been incredibly productive on the college level, I see a lot of limitations in his game, as he’s a shorter and weaker-armed passer with average ability running with the ball. His understanding of the game and the position will help him capture a roster spot, though I never see Zappe being anything other than a third signal-caller in the NFL.” Tony Pauline of Pro Football Network
Snippets From Matt Groh On Zappe:
“He’s got a lot of great traits that you want in a quarterback. Most importantly, success, with the way he’s able to produce on the field and do what’s right for the team and get the ball to the playmakers”
“There’s always value in having good players on your team, and Bailey is a good player and he’s going to add value to our team”
“When you have an opportunity to add a really good player to your team, you want to capitalize on that”
“One guy is only on the field, but you better have another good one, or two, or three, or whoever it is in the system coming up. You never know when those guys are going to be needed. If you’re short at that position, you’re going to be in real trouble.”
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