Volin: Jimmy Garoppolo Is The Total Opposite And Seems More Polished Than Ryan Mallett
BOSTON (CBS) - Ben Volin of the Boston Globe joined Adam Jones Thursday night to talk about the New England Patriots and other topics floating around the NFL here on 98.5 The Sports Hub.
Organized team activities are underway down in Foxboro, and with incumbent-backup-to-Brady Ryan Mallett missing Thursday's practice (excused absence) the coaches were able to get a good look at their round 2 draft pick Jimmy Garoppolo.
While Garoppolo is showing signs of improvement, Volin told Jones the rookie still has a long way to go.
"At this point he still kind of looks like a rookie. He's a kid who's adjusting from life from 1-AA Eastern Illinois to the NFL. He got a lot of reps Thursday and he got a lot of one-on-one work with Josh McDaniels, which I thought was pretty interesting. He's made some good throws and he's had some balls that were either poor location or batted away. He had a couple interceptions. He's playing like a rookie," said Volin.
Soon-to-be-free-agent Ryan Mallett is entering his fourth season with the Patriots. Ben Volin has gotten a good look at Garoppolo this offseason and already he's seeing the stark difference between the two.
"One thing I notice with [Garoppolo] is he really does throw a pretty ball. I don't know if he can get it there. I don't know how much he can process at this point, but he throws a really tight spiral. It seems like he's got a really good rhythm passing method to him. He's the total opposite of Mallett. Mallett is a 6-foot-5, big arm kid who they thought they could kind of mold.
"Garoppolo seems a lot more polished, but is more of a rhythm passer. He doesn't have a big arm, but timing and throws a nice quick ball. I think we're looking at a kid who's probably going to be third string this year, maybe backup if they feel really comfortable with him moving forward. You might as well carry him as a third quarterback this year and let him redshirt. It's still Tom's team and if need be you still keep Mallett around and you can go to him."
Another thing that's stood out to Ben Volin so far in OTAs is the play of the cornerbacks.
"Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner are just super competitive. These guys are established veterans, they've made their money and it really seems like they're working hard to fit in with this culture and give their all everyday. The Patriots really could have something special here if things fall their way a bit.
"They've got a pretty loaded roster right now, and it's really fascinating to see Revis and Browner just go at it with the receivers. They don't like losing. They go at it pretty hard. The competitiveness that these guys bring to their position has been great to watch."
Listen below for the full discussion, including the health status of Vince Wilfork, Rob Gronkowski and possible moves on the horizon:
Ben Volin
MORE SPORTS FROM CBS BOSTON
