Unlike many other positions, there is no uncertainty when it comes to quarterback – Tom Brady is the man.
The three-time Super Bowl Champion and six-time Pro Bowler was recently voted the top player in the NFL by his own peers after capturing the first unanimous MVP award in 2010.
Brady’s 2010 performance was historic. Despite losing his top deep threat, and probably most talented wide receiver ever in Randy Moss, Brady actually took his game to another level.
Tom Terrific was just that, tossing 36 touchdowns and only four interceptions during the regular season. His ability to lead an offense that featured two rookie tight ends and two undrafted running backs along with only above-average receivers was truly impressive.
With Brady locked down for the next four years, the team is set for the foreseeable future, but there will be life after Brady hangs em up.
That’s where the question begins: Who will be his successor?
After trading Matt Cassel in 2009, Brian Hoyer stepped in as the backup and has garnered some attention around the league as a potential future starter.
However, Hoyer hasn’t played any significant snaps during the regular season and was an undrafted free agent.
While he is certainly a serviceable backup, his future with the team certainly came into question when Bill Belichick threw a curveball at fans and the league with the 74th pick in the 2011 draft.
Despite a ton of character concerns (drug use, leadership, attitude), Ryan Mallet’s elite arm strength and production and football smarts apparently made him the perfect value in the third round.
In my mind, Mallet probably will be used as a future trade chip although he does have the physical tools and experience to be a potential Pro Bowl player.
However, he will have to work extremely hard and stay clean and focused in order to stick on the squad.
He’ll have one chance to make a good impression, otherwise we know Belichick will have no problem sending him packing.
With Brady at the helm and Hoyer and Mallet serving as valuable trade commodities, quarterback is probably the strongest position on the team.
State of the Position Grade: A
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