NFL Rumors: New England Patriots Inclined On Selecting James Madison Quarterback

The New England Patriots might consider picking James Madison’s Ben DiNucci, sources say. With the departure of Tom Brady, the Pats are said to be interested in the small-school quarterback as they are forced to execute an extensive prospect study in their quest for a solid replacement of the legend QB in the upcoming NFL Draft.

According to a report, the Patriots “held numerous video calls” with DiNucci, who apparently received the same queries from the Carolina Panthers and Chicago Bears, per Tony Pauline of Pro Football Network.

But while he is being tagged as a potential understudy of head coach Bill Belichick, some analysts believe DiNucci will still have to work his way up – if he is selected – before getting the green light to take the starting quarterback role for the Patriots, who also released Cody Kessler early in April.

As it happens, sophomore Jarrett Stidham is reportedly given the nod to start for New England, at least for broadcaster and former Patriot Scott Zolak.

“I don’t know that (he will be the starter) yet, but I just assume he is," Zolak said in an interview with AL.com last week. “I really do."

“Stidham’s methodical," Zolak continued. "He’s precise. He’s cerebral. He’s taking things in. He doesn’t screw up a lot. It might not be perfect out there, but it doesn’t seem like he makes the same mistake twice.”

Although the starting role for Belichick’s squad is yet to be officially determined, one thing is all but certain: the Patriots will be looking closely at the quarterback prospects in the draft, which will take place on April 23-25.

“Everybody knows that they're going to take a quarterback. And, of course, when they released Cody Kessler, it opened up a spot in their quarterback room. They are going to select someone. Obviously, it does get complicated. They don't have a second-round pick. So it seems to be, pick someone in the first round or pick someone in the mid-rounds. There's really no in-between for the Patriots,” Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network said.

DiNucci poured in 3,441 passing yards, 29 touchdowns, and six interceptions on 71% completion percentage with the Dukes last season. A projected late-round option, the 23-year-old also led James Madison to the FCS championship game in January but lost to North Dakota State.