Patriots Select Quarterback Jimmy Garappolo in Second Round

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Friday, May 09, 2014

Jack Andrade, GoLocal Sports Reporter

Tom Brady has a new backup

The New England Patriots selected Eastern Illinois Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo with the 30th selection in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft, making him the 5th Quarterback to be chosen this year.

Garoppolo is a small school product that intrigued NFL teams with his lightning quick release, solid mobility, and ability to make throws to all levels of the field.

"Initially I was at a loss for woods really," Garoppolo said, when asked about receiving the phone call from the Patriots at #62 overall. "I couldn't picture it any better."

The 6’2”, 226 pound Garoppolo threw for 13,156 yards and 118 touchdowns over his college career. His selection in Round 2 signals the likely end of Ryan Mallet’s time in New England as Tom Brady’s backup.

Garoppolo called it "a dream come true" to play for the Patriots and learn from his favorite player in Tom Brady. He said the thing he admires most about Brady is his poise in the pocket.

"He never seems to lose his cool," Garoppolo said of Brady. "I try to model myself after it."

Garoppolo says his greatest strength is his work ethic and the biggest thing he needs to improve is his knowledge of the NFL game.

"There's going to be a big learning curve, but I know that going into it," he said.

Eastern Illinois does have somewhat of an NFL pedigree with Tony Romo (the QB of the Dallas Cowboys) also a former Panther.

Garoppolo said he has met with Josh McDaniels and they had a good conversation in a pre-draft meeting. With McDaniels serving as the current Offensive Coordinator in New England, and potentially being the eventual successor to Bill Belichick, it wouldn't be a surprise if McDaniels had a say in drafting the presumed QB of the future for the Patriots.