Ryan Mallett rumors: Mallett not a lock to make New England Patriots
New England Patriots’ quarterback Ryan Mallett was one of the most talked about players off the offseason despite only throwing four passes in his entire NFL career and never looking especially impressive in the preseason.
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The Patriots decided to start Mallett in their preseason opener Thursday night and give Tom Brady the night off. In the Patriots’ 23-6 loss to the Washington Redskins, Mallett struggled. He completed five-of-12 passes for 55 yards. He has fantastic arm strength and his throws down field were solid, but once again, he struggled in the short and intermediate game. Without a true deep threat, the Patriots rely on that type of style to move the chains, which has caused some to question Mallett’s place on the team.
Albert Breer of NFL.com and the NFL Network does not believe Mallett is a lock to make the roster, citing that they have cut former third-round pick Kevin O’Connell and current Cleveland Browns’ starter Brian Hoyer.
It's hard to see the future for Mallett. I don't think he's a lock make Pats roster. Remember: They cut O'Connell in '09 for a rookie Hoyer.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) August 8, 2014
Hoyer was with the Patriots from 2009 and until he was released before the 2012 season. Hoyer, much like Mallett, drew rave reviews at times, but unlike Mallett, he saw more playing time, throwing 43 passes in his three seasons with the Patriots. In his four-year NFL career, Mallett is one-of-four for 17 yards an an interception. Mallett, an Arkansas Razorbacks’ star, was originally selected with the 74th-overall in the third round of the 2011 NFL Draft.