NFL Draft: 5 surprise teams that should trade up for C.J. Stroud

This is all about if the New England Patriots are no longer sold on Mac Jones

It has been a tale of two years for Mac Jones with the New England Patriots. The former Alabama star quarterback had a sensational rookie season for the Patriots last year, but the offense has largely regressed during his sophomore slump. This may have more to do with former Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels taking over in Las Vegas, but Jones is not without fault here.

In truth, Jones always was a high-floored, low-ceilinged draft prospect. That is why he was the fifth quarterback taken in the first round in 2021. Although Stroud does offer to some degree more bust potential, his ceiling is considerably higher than Jones’. Ultimately, Stroud has a better chance to become the next Drew Bledsoe than Jones has to replace The GOAT that is Tom Brady.

New England may pick in the teens, but it will remain in purgatory without better quarterback play.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers could be proactive by staying ahead in the NFC South

To be frank, both of the NFL’s south divisions have left a lot to be desired this year. However, the NFC South is the only division in football without any long-term solutions at quarterback. Yes, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers still have Brady, but he is 45 and this could be his last professional season for all we know. As for their three division rivals, all are looking to find their next franchise guy.

Although the New Orleans Saints do not have a first-round pick this spring, the Atlanta Falcons and the Carolina Panthers absolutely do. Carolina is definitely looking at a quarterback, and Atlanta might be if the Falcons are not sold on Desmond Ridder after this season. Tampa Bay may end up a division winner, but the Buccaneers’ future looks bleak without a young star quarterback in tote.

While they could go with a stop-gap for the next year or two, you better believe they are looking!