The Patriots Rookie Spotlight is a daily series where I will go down the list and break down each of the 10 players taken in the 2019 NFL Draft. So far we have covered WR N’Keal Harry, DB Joejuan Williams, DE Chase Winovich, RB Damien Harris, OT Yodny Cajuste and OG Hjalte Froholdt. Today we will break down Quarterback Jarrett Stidham.

Stidham was drafted 133rd overall in round four. Stidham has the typical size at 6’2″, 218 lbs., and can run a little with a 4.81 40-yard dash. Jarrett has an interesting story, as he went from leading a nationally ranked team at 19-years-old, to practicing with a varsity high-school team just to stay in shape.

Unique Story

Jarrett Stidham came into college football as a four-star recruit by ESPN. He chose Baylor where he would come in off the bench for the first seven games of the season. When Seth Russell had a season-ending injury, Stidham took his place. Unfortunately, Stidham broke his ankle in his third start . During his 10 games as a true freshman, Stidham threw for 1,265 yards, 12 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions. After a scandal plagued the Baylor Football team, Stidham decided to transfer.

Stidham was transferred to McLennan Community College for one semester, before finding a home at Auburn. During his semester in community college, Stidham ran a scout team for a local varsity high school team, as the college did not have a football program.

Jarrett’s first year at Auburn was a great one. The Tigers went 10-4 and were the 12th best team in the country. Stidham threw for 3,158 yards, 18 touchdowns and 6 interceptions. He also added four more touchdowns with his legs. The highlight of the season was a 26-14 win over Alabama in the Iron Bowl. Stidham threw for 237 yards and ran for 51 yards and a touchdown.

Auburn did not have the talent that surrounded Stidham during the 2017 season, and his stats declined because of it. The team only went 8-5 but Stidham was still able to throw for 2,794 yards, 18 touchdowns and 5 interceptions. He also scored 3 rushing touchdowns. Overall, Stidham finished his college career with 7,217 yards, 48 touchdowns and 13 interceptions.

What Does The Tape Say?

Stidham is a great prospect in my opinion. He has very good accuracy in the pocket and on the move. Jarrett has well-above average decision-making skills meaning he will not just hum the ball into double coverage. He has a great touch pass and throws a tight spiral. His mechanics and footwork are also above average and he has the prototypical size and arm strength of a starting QB in the NFL. He moves well and can scramble effectively when needed. There is no major flaw in his game, and he will be studying under Tom Brady and Bill Belicheck.

Future With The Patriots

Here is the question everyone is asking: Is Jarrett Stidham Tom Brady’s successor? He has a good shot. Stidham is already taking all of the third-string reps, which means he has already knocked Danny Etling down a spot on the depth chart. He will be one of the main attractions during the preseason, along with some of the other notable rookies (N’Keal Harry, Joejuan Williams, Chase Winovich, Damien Harris, Yodny Cajuste), as well as Demaryius Thomas, Michael Bennett and Dontrelle Inman.

It is impossible to predict whether Stidham develops into the next franchise Quarterback for the New England Patriots, but it is pretty obvious it won’t be Brian Hoyer or Danny Etling. Stidham has already talked in depth about how he is going to practice each day trying to improve every part of his game and soaking up everything he can from the greatest quarterback of all time (no, not Brian Hoyer). Overall Stidham is a very intriguing player that I will follow closely for however long he remains in New England.

If you liked this article, check out some other installments of this series, where I covered first-round pick N’Keal Harry here, second-round pick Joejuan Williams here, third-round picks Chase Winovich, Damien Harris, Yodny Cajuste, and fellow fourth rounder Hjalte Froholdt. Stayed tuned for my breakdown of Byron Cowart tomorrow.

N’Keal Harry – Patriots Rookie Spotlight

Joejuan Williams – Patriots Rookie Spotlight

Chase Winovich – Patriots Rookie Spotlight

Damien Harris – Patriots Rookie Spotlight

Yodny Cajuste – Patriots Rookie Spotlight

Hjalte Froholdt – Patriots Rookie Spotlight