Patriots Daily: Brissett Sits Atop QB Depth Chart

The New England Patriots resumed OTAs yesterday. One item of interest that got attention was the order in which the Patriots quarterbacks were taking their reps. The veterans are ahead of the rookies on the depth chart. Jacoby Brissett went first in drills. He was followed by Bailey Zappe, then rookie Drake Maye. Joe Milton III had been fourth but was absent from yesterday’s practice.

People will likely read into the depth chart during a voluntary practice in May, so it’s worth a reminder that this does not mean things are not subject to change by mandatory minicamp, training camp, or the regular season. But Brissett being atop the pecking order at this point makes sense for multiple reasons.

Jacoby Brissett is the most experienced quarterback in the group. He is the only one to have previously played for offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt. Brissett’s running drills first can indicate that he has the inside track for the starting job. However, it could also be a sign of respect for the veteran. It also allows him to mentor the rest of the group, showing them how things should be done. Bailey Zappe is the only other non-rookie quarterback. Zappe is only a two-year vet who just turned 25 last month.

“They told all of us that this was going to be a competition,” Zappe said. “Everybody’s going to have an opportunity to go out there and prove that they can be that guy.”

This message might be accurate, but only Jacoby Brissett was brought to New England with that promise. The other three quarterbacks in the room were all drafted by the Patriots.

Most eyes will remain on first-round pick Drake Maye, even as he currently sits third in the pecking order. When will Maye be ready to “be that guy” for New England? When will he be given a chance to? Stay tuned.

Also in today’s Patriots Daily:

Football Fun Fact of the Day

Four members of the Patriots played in Super Bowl 51 between the New England Patriots and Atlanta Falcons. David Andrews, Joe Cardona, and Jonathan Jones played for New England. Austin Hooper played for Atlanta. Jacoby Brissett was also on the Patriots roster, though did not appear in the game.

Post of the Day

Jacoby Brissett didn’t throw any touchdowns during his first stint in New England, but he did run for one. Here’s a look back at it, with a great block from wide receiver Malcolm Mitchell:

Jacoby Brissett's 27-yard touchdown run. #Patriots pic.twitter.com/CvQWGxZbi4

— Curtis (@Curtos07) September 23, 2016

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