With The First Pick
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New England Patriots: In-Depth 2017 NFL Draft Review

By Jon Dove

Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick talks with the media after Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick talks with the media after Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) in the third quarter against the Atlanta Falcons during Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) in the third quarter against the Atlanta Falcons during Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Biggest Risk

The biggest risk for the New England Patriots was deciding to hang on to Jimmy Garoppolo. They had a chance to send Garoppolo to the highest bidder and receive some significant compensation.  The rumors were all over the place with some saying the Patriots could’ve gotten a 1st round pick in a trade.

This decision is a risk on several levels. New England could’ve added multiple draft picks in a class that was seen as rich in talent. Those picks could’ve added some depth to their roster and players capable of helping them on another Super Bowl run.

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Garoppolo himself is still a risk having played such limited regular season snaps. New England is banking on the fact that his practice performances can translate to game day. He did play well in that limited action, but it’s harder to sustain over a full season.

His contract situation maybe the biggest reason keeping Garoppolo is a gamble. He is slated to be an unrestricted free agent after this upcoming season. New England will have the option of negotiating a long-term deal, slapping Garoppolo with the franchise tag or letting him walk.

Agreeing to a long-term deal will be tricky. Garoppolo likely wants to see the field in the near future which is not a certainty with Brady in town. The franchise tag would hamstring the Patriots ability to add pieces via free agency.

They can’t afford to let him walk after not trading him this past offseason. Either way, this is shaping up to be an interesting storyline for next offseason.

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