One law of the New England Patriots is irrefutable: Bill Belichick never lets himself be seen in the cards.

But before the draft, one thing is clear: The Patriots’ head coach will, as always, be well prepared.

Because this year it is quite possible that the franchise will choose a quarterback. Usually always an exciting person anyway, a little more interesting in the Patriots, because it could be a potential successor to the throne for Tom Brady.

Stidham and Hoyer in the squad
There is enough talent in the draft, while in the squad, after Brady’s move to Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Jarrett Stidham and Brian Hoyer are fighting for the starter job.

“It’s a group that has a decent depth,” Belichick said of this year’s quarterback class. The Patriots will enter the draft with the 23rd pick in round one, which may be too late for top talents like Joe Burrow, Tua Tagovailoa, Jordan Love and Justin Herbert.

But: promising young playmakers like Jacob Eason, Jake Fromm or Jalen Hurts might be in round three, where the Patriots have three picks.

Belichick made it clear that the Patriots will be prepared, after all they have had to be for the past 20 Brady years. Rarely, but in 2008 when Brady was injured and in 2016 when he was suspended for four games due to “deflategate”. Matt Cassel stepped in in 2008, Jimmy Garoppolo and Jacoby Brissett in 2016.

“At that time, we adapted to each other and did what was best for the other player. I don’t see us changing that. No matter who the quarterback is, we’re going to try and make things as fluid and efficient as possible for each player to benefit from their strengths and abilities,” Belichick said.

At the same time, he and Offensive Coordinator Josh McDaniels “certainly have a pretty good feel” for Stidham and Hoyer. “We spent quite a bit of time with Brian and Stid. Circumstances will be different this year and we’ll see how things develop,” he said. Both should be given the time to show themselves.

Homework done
When asked about the draft strategy, Belichick remained vague and general as always. But it became clear that he did his homework with the quarterbacks.

He emphasized: “Certainly there are a lot of interesting players in this class. Guys who have good arms, who can throw the ball well. Then there are athletically good players. Some players have won a lot of games and shown their fighting spirit and instincts.”