FOXBORO — In the spring of 2018, the Patriots have been coming off a second straight Super Bowl look and rostered the reigning league MVP in Tom Brady. But that didn’t cease them from closely scouting quarterbacks forward of the draft, like future Ravens star Lamar Jackson.
The Patriots hosted Jackson on considered one of their 30 pre-draft visits in Foxboro, the place the long run MVP met with Bill Belichick amongst different key staffers. Days forward of Sunday’s showdown with Baltimore, Belichick was requested what he remembered about that go to.
“Great visit, spent a lot of time with him,” Belichick mentioned Wednesday. “Really interesting guy.”
Former director of participant personnel Nick Caserio attended Jackson’s Pro Day exercise at Louisville. It was reported that Jackson intrigued the Patriots, who additionally had curiosity in future No. 1 general choose Baker Mayfield, however they have been reluctant to revamp their whole offense round him. So, the entrance workplace handed over Jackson twice within the first spherical to draft offensive deal with Isaiah Wynn at twenty third general and working again Sony Michel at No. 31, then Brady led the Pats to their sixth Super Bowl title the next February.
In his second season, and first as a starter, Jackson received MVP after passing for greater than 3,100 yards, dashing for greater than 1,200 and scoring 43 complete touchdowns within the common season. Through two weeks this yr, he’s accomplished 64.1% of his passes for 531 yards, six touchdowns and one interception. Asked if Jackson has answered pre-draft questions on his means to win and throw from the pocket, Belichick gave a convincing sure on Wednesday.
“Without a doubt. That’s the type of player that’s an MVP-type of candidate,” Belichick mentioned. “I think he’s more than answered them.”
In two profession video games in opposition to the Patriots, Jackson has accomplished 72% of his passes for 412 yards, three touchdowns and an interception. He’s additionally rushed for 116 yards and two touchdowns on 27 carries. His Ravens beat Brady and the Patriots 37-20 halfway by way of the 2019 season, then the Pats pulled a 23-17 house upset in opposition to Baltimore amid heavy rains in Oct. 2020.
Source: www.bostonherald.com