Seven for the 2019 Draft: QBs - Early, middle and late prospects that fit what the Patriots are looking for

As we count down to the 2019 NFL draft, we’ll take the measure of the Patriots by position and offer up six prospects at each position — two likely to go early (first round), two middle (second day) and two late (third day). Let's take a look at everyone's favorite position to fret about — how long will Tom Brady play?! — and put the quarterbacks under the microscope.

THE SKINNY

We think everyone knows the deal here. Tom Brady will be 42 this season. Two years ago, he was the no-doubt MVP. Last season, he wasn't in the conversation as he had his fair share of issues through much of the regular season. Now, whether you (or the team, for that matter) think that was caused by age, decline, or a poor supporting cast, that will lead you into the future at the position. Either you think the clock is ticking and they need to get the Next Guy very soon, or the Patriots still have time to be selective. ... Backup Brian Hoyer will turn 34 this season and is in the final year of his contract. He's fine as a stopgap, but anything else is pushing your luck. ... Danny Etling, a seventh-round pick last season, was deemed good enough to keep around on the practice squad. Throws a nice ball and showed good legs, but he's very much a project.

POSSIBLE EARLY TARGETS

Daniel Jones, Duke (6-5, 222, 4.76)

Just 17-19 as a starter for the Blue Devils, but was hampered by a subpar supporting cast. ... Jones missed two games in 2018 with a broken clavicle. In 11 starts, he completed 60.5 percent of his passes for 2,674 yards, 22 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. Rushed for 319 yards and three scores. ... Very good athlete who can tuck and run, but is sturdy in the pocket and willing to take plays late in the down. ... Sees the field exceptionally well and will go through his progressions. Very smart and reads defenses well. ... Arm is good enough and has good mechanics. Ball comes out quickly and in rhythm. ... Wonder how big his upside is. Doesn't possess any elite traits. Tough.

READ MORE: Duke OC Zac Roper on QB Daniel Jones’ strengths, weaknesses, and how he’d fit with Patriots

Will Grier, West Virginia (6-2, 217, 4.84)

Former top recruit to Florida but was suspended for a year for PEDs and transferred to West Virginia. ... Finished with a passer rating of 113.0. ... Tremendous teammate and locker room guy. Teammates will follow him anywhere. ... Gunslinger with a solid arm. ... Gets into trouble against pressure and can be very streaky. Will have games where he looks unstoppable, and others where it looks like he'll go undrafted because he doesn't take care of the ball. ... Good deep touch; quick release underneath.

READ MORE: West Virginia’s former OC on Will Grier’s background in Patriots’ offense & QB’s ‘uncommon maturity’

POSSIBLE MIDDLE TARGETS

Clayton Thorson, Northwestern (6-4, 220)

Sort of a poor man's Daniel Jones — they're very similar. Good skills but nothing that screams elite. ... Teams have concerns with his 58.4 completion percentage and 45 interceptions in his career (15 as a senior). ... Many scouts don't think he improved that much over the course of his career. ... Very smart and has upside in a better system with better players.

READ MORE: Clayton Thorson’s OC talks about his development, smarts and potential as a backup to Tom Brady

Ryan Finley, North Carolina State (6-4, 209, 4.70)

Beat out Brett Rypien for top job at Boise State and then got hurt, graduated, transferred and will now be 25 this season. ... Very smart, has no issues running complicated offenses, and is a good leader. ... In 2017, he completed 65 percent of his passes, throwing for 3,514 yards and 17 touchdowns. Very accurate against a high level of competition — last year, he had the longest streak of pass attempts without an interception in the FBS with 339. He had not thrown a pick since the Miami game in 2016 before throwing one vs. Notre Dame. That was second in school history to Russell Wilson (379). ... Finished by completing 67.4 percent of his throws for 3,928 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. ... More of a game manager than a playmaker.

POSSIBLE LATE TARGETS

Brett Rypien, Boise (6-2, 210, 4.95)

Nephew of former NFL QB Mark Rypien. ... Completed 67.3 percent of his passes for 3,705 yards and 30 touchdowns with seven interceptions last season. ... Very consistent and polished passer who can function in a variety of schemes. ... Knows how to play the game. Can manipulate defenders to make the play work.

Tyree Jackson, Buffalo (6-7, 248, 4.57)

Great athlete with a huge arm, but many teams will be scared off by his accuracy issues as a career 55.8 percent passer. ... An ideal candidate to sit on the bench for two or three years. Has huge upside with the right coaching. ... Playmaker. Knows how to make big plays when it counts.

David Blough, Purdue (6-0 1/2, 205)

Undersized but knows how to play the games. Reminds a bit of another Purdue QB, Drew Brees, without the deep prowess. ... Good athlete, moves well and is very accurate with a quick release underneath. ... Completed 66 percent of his passes last season. Makes good decisions. ... Compares to a Kirk Cousins type.