The New England Patriots recently traded away quarterback Joe Milton III, leaving a gap in their QB depth chart that still needs to be addressed. While newly signed veteran Josh Dobbs is expected to back up rookie Drake Maye, the team will likely need to add another arm to round out the roster.
One potential option could come through the NFL Draft. Mike Luciano of Musket Fire linked the Patriots to Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel, a highly productive but somewhat overlooked prospect.
“Gabriel’s only major drawback might be his physical tools,” Luciano wrote. “He’s a six-year college vet with elite accuracy and great decision-making, but NFL teams have concerns about his size, arm strength, and the rarity of successful left-handed QBs. Still, Gabriel found success in college and could do the same in New England.”
Gabriel finished third in Heisman voting last season, throwing for 3,857 yards, 30 touchdowns, and just six interceptions while completing nearly 73% of his passes. Though he isn’t considered a top-tier prospect, he’s drawing attention as a possible Day 3 pick.
The 24-year-old has an impressive collegiate resume, with strong seasons at UCF and Oklahoma before transferring to Oregon. While he wouldn’t challenge Maye for the starting job, Gabriel could offer developmental upside—or even serve as future trade value, similar to Milton.
Quarterback isn’t a pressing need for the Patriots heading into the draft, but finding a capable third-string option would certainly make sense.