Patriots Fans Are Going to Lose Their Minds After Seeing Mel Kiper's Latest Projected First-Round Pick for Them

The New England Patriots suddenly have a ton of needs to address. After vacating a significant portion of their defense and losing Tom Brady, fans have high hopes for the 2020 draft. However, if Mel Kiper's latest projection is correct, it might not be exactly what they want.

With pick 23, Kiper believes the Patriots will take Wisconsin outside linebacker Zack Baun. He believes Buan will help fill the void left by the losses of Kyle Van Noy, Jamie Collins, and Elandon Roberts.

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For Patriots fans, that might not be a good enough reason to go "steady defender" over "impact offensive weapon" or, the most exciting move of all, "QB trade."

The Patriots are banking their hopes on Jarrett Stidham and Brian Hoyer to lead the offense. While the organization seems comfortable with the two, it's certainly a massive downgrade from Brady. Addressing the quarterback position feels like priority number one.

This year's quarterback draft class is remarkably deep. Between Joe Burrow, Tua Tagovailoa, Justin Herbert, Jordan Love's rise, and Jalen Hurts and Jake Fromm in the middle rounds, there isn't really a bad option. But as Tua's injury history continues to slip him deeper into the conversation, many in the region are hoping for a Pats gambit.

This...would be a stasis move.

Who knows? Maybe Stidham has matured enough behind Brady to take over. However, placing the future of the franchise in the hands of a second-year former fourth-round draft pick and a career backup is risky, no matter how solid Baun may be. Even if he does his job, Belichick-style, this would be far from a home run selection.