rbgoblue

April 29th, 2011 at 9:13 PM ^

Probably the best case senario for him.  Veteran teammates and a no nonsense coach wont let him screw around off the field, and he won't be rushed into action and have years to develop behind brady.  Also, it knocks former Spartan Brian Hoyer down a notch on the depth chart.

T4L

April 29th, 2011 at 9:14 PM ^

That's the best spot for him. That locker room won't tolerate any 'character flaws.' That's going to be a great place for him to develop. Best of luck to him.

M-Wolverine

April 29th, 2011 at 9:14 PM ^

And want guys who can help him win a Super Bowl, rather than replace him. He's got his new Drew Henson.
<br>
<br>Does this count as a Michigan draft pick...?

aaamichfan

April 29th, 2011 at 9:14 PM ^

Perfect situation for Mallett. Backup for Brady, and probably the most talented QB in this draft. I don't think the attitude thing should be an issue as a backup.

bronxblue

April 29th, 2011 at 9:26 PM ^

I'ver never understood the attitude argument with Mallet.  Cam Newton is on the record saying he wants to be an icon, a number of people have reported that he doesn't work that hard and has a massive ego, apparently lied to a bunch of people about money going to his father/being requested for him to play at a particular college, he was kicked out of Florida for stealing/cheating (allegedly on the latter), and Mallet is the guy with the attitude problem because he got drunk and did some drugs/weed in college?  Seems crazy to me.  Mallet has problems, but he's the best pure QB in the draft.  If Michael Vick is given multiple chances because he's got talent, Mallet shouldn't have fallen to the third round.

ATLWolverine

April 30th, 2011 at 12:29 AM ^

Is polite-speak for "cocaine."

That's just the rumor, though-- trust me, if it was trivial then every team in the NFL (except Raiders) wouldn't have passed on him before New England picked him up.

Wish him the best; if there's a team to hone the edge of troubled players who have incredibly physical gifts, it's New England.

bdsisme

April 29th, 2011 at 9:17 PM ^

Rich Eisen just said "I'll tell you one thing, both Brady and Mallett were smart enough to pick to go to college at the University of Michigan"

SwaggLikeUs

April 29th, 2011 at 9:51 PM ^

I have been wondering the same thing. He did make it up to campus on Wednesday 5* QB Gunner Kiel visiting Michigan. Even though I really want to know what he thought, I actually like the fact that a high profile recruit is reserved and keeps to himself. Not like our last QB recruit who fell in love with every place as soon as he visited and let everyone know it.

MichiganStudent

April 29th, 2011 at 11:53 PM ^

Didn't graduate. Attendee? 

I'm happy for him. He couldn't have fallen into a better situation. He now has a legitimate shot to become a level headed professional. 

JimLahey

April 29th, 2011 at 9:35 PM ^

Very interesting pick. Mallett probably doesn't like the idea that he's going to have to sit for 3-5 years behind Brady, but this could be a blessing for him. He gets to learn from the GOAT, and be apart of an outstanding franchise. Realistically, he will get some clean-up duty at various points because the Pats generally have a few blow outs a season.

ESNY

April 29th, 2011 at 10:05 PM ^

Disagree with that concept. Once you are not paying early first round money, any character issues become less of a problem. If he does have those issues, you cut him loose and it doesn't cost you that much in either dollars or a wasted pick. This is also the same team that drafted Brandon "I swing my helmet during brawls" Merriweather.

AlwaysBlue

April 29th, 2011 at 11:56 PM ^

It could be that NE thinks the talent is worth the risk but they don't typically make that calculation.  They put a high premium on character and work ethic.  That isn't to say they won't bring in guys with a history but they won't do it if they think the baggage is coming with him.

Jensencoach

April 29th, 2011 at 9:49 PM ^

Mallet certainly had the talent to be an early first rounder and in the NE organization he is going to have the best chance to mature beyond the character issues.  And, it won't matter that he run's like his feet are covered in tar, it should be a great fit for both parties.

bluebyyou

April 29th, 2011 at 9:59 PM ^

Great pick by NE,  Third round reduces the risk by a huge margin for a guy with first round talent.  Mallett has a rifle for an arm.  He needs to grow up and now he has the chance with some great talent around him.

hail2mich

April 30th, 2011 at 12:09 AM ^

Is Matt Gutierrez still on the Patriots too? If so, you got two QB's who transferred from Michigan and Tom Brady on the same team....and Hoyer if he matters

Wolverine319

April 30th, 2011 at 7:30 AM ^

This is the best case scenario for Ryan. He has a great mentor in Tom. If he can mature enough to be able sit behind Tom until he gets his chance like Matt Cassell.

WestSider

April 30th, 2011 at 2:30 PM ^

Lots of speculation about "attitude" and "character." But the data that resonates loud and clear is from coaches and assistants who interviewed Mallett, and thematically refer to him as 'not getting it', lacking insight and intelligent reciprocity during interviews, and having such a nonchalant demeanor, suggesting he lacks the mental acuity to take on a leadership role with the team. We shall see....