BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — The Patriots scouting department is doing their due diligence at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis, they have interviewed several prospects in this years draft, while also asking one quarterback in particular what it would feel like to replace Tom Brady.
That quarterback would be Jake Luton of Oregon State, the 6-7 229lb senior completed his final college season with the Beavers throwing for for 2714 yards, to go along with 28 touchdowns and only three interceptions in 11 games. According to Rotoworld, he is currently projected to be a late round pick.
Luton elaborated on his brief interview with New England to reporters in Indy on Tuesday.
Now whether the team is actually interested in Lufton remains to be seen. The question could have simply been an on-the-spot quick thinking one to see how the player responds, or it could be to see if this is the guy to have sit behind Brady if the six-time Super Bowl champion resigns with the Pats.
Also, this question was asked by a Patriots scout, not Bill Belichick. Belichick was down at Middle Tennessee State University conducting individual workouts with a player from that school who wasn't attending the combine.
Other draft-eligible quarterbacks that said they have had informal meetings with New England include University of Georgia's Jake Fromm and Utah State's Jordan Love.
Current NFL Head Coaches were also taking question's from the media, and naturally, those who's teams have been rumored to be in the market for Tom Brady's services were asked about the soon-to-be free agent.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Bruce Arians said Brady is one potential free agent signal-caller he'd be interested in.
As we've noted before in our "Brady Watch" coverage, there are a number of reasons that Tampa Bay could have a real chance to sign Brady, they have a ton of cap space(close to $80 million), a great wide receiving core and that they may want to move on from Jameis Winston.
Arians also reportedly knows what his team's future plans at the position are, but he noted that he believes his squad can win with Winston under center.
To put add more fuel to the fire on the "TB to the TB Bucs" rumors, Boston Globe Patriots Beat Writer Ben Volin wrote that everyone should "Beware the Bucs."
Tennessee Titans Head Coach and former Patriots' linebacker Mike Vrabel was also asked a number of questions regarding Brady. He was asked about his relationship with the quaterback, which Vrabel replied: "Undefeated."
The Titans coach later added that he asked Brady for a bigger trophy this year. Brady jokingly gave Vrabel a small trophy when Tennessee and New England practiced together during training camp, the award was for The Titans beating the Pats in the 2018 season, the new trophy would be for eliminating the Patriots in the playoffs. Unless, it was a subtle hint that he's hoping Brady joins the Titans and delivers the Vince Lombardi trophy for winning the Super Bowl.
Also regarding the Titans quarterback plans, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapaport reported that Tennessee in the coming days will try to reach a deal with their current quarterback Ryan Tannehill, who just won the NFL Comeback Player of the year award.
Denver Broncos GM and President John Elway was asked if his team would be interested in signing Brady, much like when they brought Peyton Manning in as a free agent back in 2012. Elway wouldn't go into much detail, saying that he's just glad Brady keeps playing and that no matter what happens in free agency, he will always be thought of as a New England Patriot.
Now, no coach or front office member for another NFL team is going to come out and say that they are planning on pursuing Brady, that would be considered tampering under league rules, but it is clear that he and his upcoming decision is in the front of a lot of teams' minds.
Lastly, since it is Combine week, it's a good time to take a look back to Brady at his combine in 2000.
WBZ NewsRadio's Dan Watkins (@DanWatkinsRadio) reports
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