Tom E. Curran and Phil Perry rank their NFL free agent wish list for the Patriots this offseason
The New England Patriots reportedly are re-signing Cam Newton, but that doesn't mean their search for a quarterback has concluded.
The Patriots will have nine picks in the 2021 NFL Draft, including No. 15 overall in the first round. It wouldn't be shocking if the Pats selected a quarterback with one of these picks.
One of the five quarterbacks expected to be drafted in the first round is North Dakota State star Trey Lance. He's having his Pro Day in North Dakota on Friday, and the Patriots will be among the teams in attendance.
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Lance played in only one game in 2020 because the COVID-19 pandemic forced North Dakota State to cancel most of its football season.
Curran: Patriots face a dicey proposition if they draft quarterback early
Lance's last normal campaign was in 2019 -- his only full season as a starter -- when he completed 66.9 percent of his passes for 2,786 yards with 28 touchdowns and zero interceptions.
New England Patriots
He also has the ability to make plays running the football. Lance tallied 1,100 rushing yards and 14 rushing touchdowns in 2019, highlighting his impressive dual-threat skill set. Lance is listed at 6-foot-4 and 226 pounds.
Most mock drafts have Lance coming off the board in the top 10 to 12 picks, so if the Patriots really wanted him, trading up in Round 1 might be necessary.
