Report: Patriots "incredibly high" on "Tom 2": Pittsburgh QB Tom Savage

Could Savage be "Tom #2"? Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

It's no secret the Patriots are interested in drafting a quarterback this year. If this report from Tony Pauline is to be believed, their preferred target at the position is the same as mine: Pittsburgh's Tom Savage.

From Rotoworld:

The Patriots are "incredibly high" on Pittsburgh QB Tom Savage and "will consider using a pick to acquire the signal caller during the draft," reports draft insider Tony Pauline.

Pauline said he's known about New England's interest in Savage since thecombine, and adds that "some in the organization" are calling Savage "Tom #2." If you need to ask who Tom #1 is, you're in the wrong place.

Pauline goes on to elaborate on what how Savage has particularly impressed the team. Here's a hint, Greg Schiano is involved.

"I’m told Savage impressed the franchise during combine interviews, especially when former Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano was on hand," wrote Pauline. "Evidently Savage took responsibility for the 2011 situation when he left the Rutgers football program, which was then headed by Schiano. Both the Patriots and Schiano were impressed by Savage’s maturity in discussing his departure."

For those unfamiliar with the backstory, Savage was a freshman All-American for Schiano's Rutgers program in 2009, but got off to a slow start in 2010 before getting benched after a hand injury. This lead to Savage transferring to Arizona, only to transfer out when head coach Mike Stoops was fired midway through the 2011 season (during which Savage was ineligible to play due to his transfer) and replaced by read-option guru Rich Rodriguez. Savage ultimately wound up at Pittsburgh, where he was impressive in 2013.

It's great that Savage showed the maturity and accountability you like to see from your franchise quarterback in his interviews, but I'm sure his arm excites them even more. Savage has the size (at 6'4", 228, his measurables are nearly identical to Tom #1) the Patriots look for in their quarterbacks, along with arguably the best arm talent of any quarterback in this draft. He was also a poised leader at Pittsburgh, where he ran a pro-style offense.



If the Patriots want Savage, they'll likely have to pay up to get him. He was initially pegged as a candidate for the middle rounds at the start of the draft process, but his stock has shot up in recent weeks. At this point, he's reportedly worked out for over 25 teams, which is somewhat indicative of the interest and buzz his live arm has generated amongst scouts in recent weeks. It would be surprising to see him get past the second round, and the Pats would likely be overjoyed if he's still there when they pick at 62.