NFL road rocky for Rourke after Patriots draft QB

[MacNews]

University of North Carolina pivot Drake Maye was the team’s selection with the third overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft and is expected to take over the top job next season.

https://3downnation.com/2024/04/25/nfl- ... rake-maye/

I know injuries could always lead to an opportunity for Rourke, but he seems to be consistently buried behind journeyman NFL backups.

Time will tell, but I don't see Rourke getting the playing time he anticipated.

[SammyGreene]

I recall Farhan saying how Rourke’s stock will drop as each NFL Draft passes and more college QBs enter the picture. Hardly a bold statement but last night we saw 6 QBs selected among the top 12 picks. More will be taken over the next couple days and all will be considered greater investments than an undrafted QB from the 2020 class.

Rourke should at least land himself on a practice roster somewhere if he is the victim of the numbers game in N.E. But if doesn’t make any headway prior to the 2025 Draft then he may look at taking his career north again when he will be turning 27.

[Dusty]

Rourke always had to pass Zappe to remain on the practice squad as their #3 QB. The Pats likely did him a favour by trading Jones to the Jags to maintain the pre-season QB roster at 4. Since the Pats have many Offensive and Defensive needs, there is no evidence that Maye will be anointed as the #1 QB this year. He is seen as needing to fix some holes in his game and at 21, he will be developed this year. Yes, he may dress for all games, but I could see the Pats dressing 3 QB's for the early part of the season which could be positive for Rourke, assuming that he is the #3.
Jones had a good rookie season with the Pats but went downhill soon after. Maybe he was not developed by coaching. Maybe he was resistant to coaching. The Pats seem to be preaching the "development now" mantra with Maye. Rourke could still play a role and get playing time even with pressure from fans to "throw Maye in" if Brissett gets injured.

[Johndryden]

He’s getting about $300K Cdn to sit on the PS so he’s not suffering but he would be better off income wise in the CFL as a $500K + starter but he’s got his dream. Even a season as back up on the roster sets him up better financially. Who knows where his break will come but my hunch is it won’t be the Pats …

[Hambone]

Jones had a good rookie season with the Pats but went downhill soon after. Maybe he was not developed by coaching. Maybe he was resistant to coaching. The Pats seem to be preaching the "development now" mantra with Maye. Rourke could still play a role and get playing time even with pressure from fans to "throw Maye in" if Brissett gets injured.

You could be onto something there. In Jones' rookie season Josh McDaniels, who was highly regarded as an offensive coaching mind, was his OC. McDaniels left the Pats after Jones' rookie season to take the HC job with the Raiders. Belichek then turned the offense over to Joe Judge and Matt Patricia. A recent CBS article rehashing the 1st round QB picks of 2021 referred to that move as "what is still looked at as one of the more befuddling decisions of the legendary coach's tenure."

Judge's resume was almost devoid of offensive coaching history. From his time at Birmingham Southern in 2008 thru his first stint in New England (2012-19) he was a special teams coach with the exception of 2019 when Belichek handed him WR Coach duties on top of being Special Teams Coordinator. He then left to be HC with Giants in 2020-21 before returning to NE as Offensive Assistant and QB Coach.

Similarly Matt Patricia had limited offensive coaching history on his resume and what little he had was 17 years in the rear view mirror. He'd been an Offensive Graduate Assistant at Syracuse (2001-03), Offensive Assistant with NE (2004) and Assistant OLC with NE (2005), The rest of his time before leaving to be Detroit's HC in 2018 was on the defensive side of the ball; LBC 2006-10, Safeties Coach 2011 and DC 2012-17. After 3 years in Detroit he returned to Belichek's kingdom to be Senior Football Advisor in 2021 and had OLC duties added on 2022.

So Jones went from McDaniels tutelage as a rookie to having his game shaped by Judge and Patricia. The same CBS article also opined that while Belichek brought in Bill O'Brien as OC for 2023 Jones was already "broken".

https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/insi ... nal-teams/

[Hambone]

He is seen as needing to fix some holes in his game and at 21, he will be developed this year. Yes, he may dress for all games, but I could see the Pats dressing 3 QB's for the early part of the season which could be positive for Rourke, assuming that he is the #3.

I'm not seeing them dressing 3. However they might keep Zappe on the active roster but to be emergency #3 as well as to protect the asset. Zappe would have to clear waivers if they wanted to try stashing him on the PS. Same with Rourke but there would be less risk waiving him and likely less raiding risk with him on the PS. When teams draft a QB as high as #3 they expect him to start sooner than later. With that their QB depth chart will be Maye and Brissett holding the top 2 spots with Zappe or Rourke battling for #3, Even if Maye has some holes in his game and they opt to open the season with Brissett at #1 they will have Maye at #2 and be ready to play him to start working on fixing those holes, Now if Brissett were to get hurt maybe they lean towards Zappe starting but I think they would still give Maye a start or two before doing so. Overall I think they'd want to get Maye onto the field as early as makes sense if anything to find out how close or far away he might be from having the reins handed to him. It would also suss out how much more development time might be needed and what parts of his game need it most.

[DanoT]

I recall Farhan saying how Rourke’s stock will drop as each NFL Draft passes and more college QBs enter the picture. Hardly a bold statement but last night we saw 6 QBs selected among the top 12 picks. More will be taken over the next couple days and all will be considered greater investments than an undrafted QB from the 2020 class.

Rourke should at least land himself on a practice roster somewhere if he is the victim of the numbers game in N.E. But if doesn’t make any headway prior to the 2025 Draft then he may look at taking his career north again when he will be turning 27.

With NFL evaluators putting so much weight on 1st round QB draft picks (especially if they played Div. 1) vs a successful CFL QB who was undrafted, Rourke is going to struggle to get a fair evaluation. However at this point in his career, even though getting playing time in the CFL right now would further his development vs holding a NFL clip board or being on a Practice Squad, just being in the NFL now offers more oppourtunity, vs playing in the CFL for a few seasons and then try the NFL. Slim as his NFL chances seem right now, it is still now or never for him.

[Hambone]

It just got rockier. NE took a 2nd QB in the 6th round with Joe Milton III of Tennessee. They have 5 in the room now. Talking heads in NFL Network are speculating that Zappe will be traded. There could be a market for a team thinking of him as a #2 over their incumbents.

[OV:54-40]

The drafting of Milton (supposed cannon of an arm but with suspect other QB skills) does seem to make it even tougher for Nathan there. Even if the Pats un-load Zappe, there is still Brissett (journeyman type) with 1st rounder Maye in the wings and another draft pick (scouts there likely to hope for him). Or maybe they keep Zappe.

Rourke ends up on another NFL team where he is behind the 8 ball = too bad. Kinda amusing his CFL film in that superb 2022 season means little to the NFL QB "experts', but that's par for the course there now. Alex Singleton goes from un-drafted / little regarded by the NFL, CFL star, to one o the leading tacklers in the entire NFL over the past few seasons ...

I still believe Nathan will stick it out down there as long as possible - make bounce to another team or two as 3rd stringer or PR guy - maybe get to an NFL pension ?

The only thing that sees him want to return to the CFL, IMO, would be a burning desire to play the game rather than be a clip-board holder in the allmighty "Show". Financial considerations are another thing, but he could expect 500 K plus in the CFL, no ? A taste of stardom in the big league in his own country could eventually trump his NFL dream ,perhaps - but i have no clue on his thinking there.

[SammyGreene]

It just got rockier. NE took a 2nd QB in the 6th round with Joe Milton III of Tennessee. They have 5 in the room now. Talking heads in NFL Network are speculating that Zappe will be traded. There could be a market for a team thinking of him as a #2 over their incumbents.

Damn and I thought it was harsh when Doug Pederson spent all of last season saying how C.J. Beathard was his guy to back-up Lawrence (instead of Rourke) only to trade for Mac Jones as soon as he had a chance.

So the best case scenario is Zappe gets traded and Nathan survives upcoming mini camps to be #4 on the TC depth chart behind the stop gap veteran starter & a pair of 2024 draft picks. Given it would add up to very limited pre-season playing time he probably rather be in a better situation somewhere else soon rather than later.

[Hambone]

It just got rockier. NE took a 2nd QB in the 6th round with Joe Milton III of Tennessee. They have 5 in the room now. Talking heads in NFL Network are speculating that Zappe will be traded. There could be a market for a team thinking of him as a #2 over their incumbents.

Damn and I thought it was harsh when Doug Pederson spent all of last season saying how C.J. Beathard was his guy to back-up Lawrence (instead of Rourke) only to trade for Mac Jones as soon as he had a chance.

So the best case scenario is Zappe gets traded and Nathan survives upcoming mini camps to be #4 on the TC depth chart behind the stop gap veteran starter & a pair of 2024 draft picks. Given it would add up to very limited pre-season playing time he probably rather be in a better situation somewhere else soon rather than later.

My guess is one of Zappe and Rourke will be gone before training camp. I can't predict which way things will fall but suspect either Zappe gets traded or Rourke gets released and they will go to camp with 4.

[Toppy Vann]

It's really hard to find a positive in Nathan Rourke's current situation in NE.

I asked AI Websearch bot a series a questions on QB draft classes including this one so this is just a search compilation:

Based on the search results, there are some comparisons between the 2024 NFL QB draft class and previous years. Here are some key findings:

Top Quarterbacks: In terms of the top quarterbacks in the 2024 draft class, Caleb Williams is considered the standout player and would have been the No. 1 overall pick if he had been in last year's class [1]. Bryce Young, who was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 draft, would likely be the second quarterback taken in the 2024 class [1].

Grading Comparison:

One comparison used a grading scale to assess the quarterbacks in the 2024 class and how they stack up against previous years.
According to this grading scale, Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels from the 2024 class received grades of 6.74 and 6.73 respectively, which puts them in the "Year One Starter" category [2].

Drake Maye received a grade of 6.50, placing him in the "Boom or Bust Potential" category [2].

J.J. McCarthy received a grade of 6.40, putting him in the "Will Become a Good Starter Within Two Years" category [2].

Bo Nix received a grade of 6.39, placing him in the "Will Eventually Be a Plus Starter" category [2]. Michael Penix Jr. received a grade of 6.25, putting him in the "Will Eventually Be an Average Starter" category [2].

Spencer Rattler received a grade of 5.95, placing him in the "Average Backup or Special Teams Player" category [2].

Then I asked AI to compare Nathan Rourke to this group of QBs:

Nathan Rourke, a former CFL quarterback, has generated some buzz as a potential dark horse candidate for the New England Patriots in the 2024 NFL draft. While Rourke's CFL success and potential NFL trajectory are intriguing, it's important to compare him to the quarterbacks in the 2024 NFL draft class to get a better understanding of his potential.

Here is a comparison of Nathan Rourke to some of the quarterbacks in the 2024 NFL draft class:

Jayden Daniels:
Daniels is a highly regarded quarterback prospect in the 2024 NFL draft class. He possesses excellent athleticism, arm strength, and the ability to make plays with his legs. Rourke, on the other hand, has shown similar mobility and the ability to extend plays, but his arm strength may not be on par with Daniels [1].

Drake Maye: Maye is another promising quarterback prospect in the 2024 NFL draft class. He has a strong arm and good accuracy, making him a potential franchise quarterback. Rourke's arm strength may not be as impressive as Maye's, but he has shown good accuracy and decision-making during his CFL career [2].

J.J. McCarthy: McCarthy is known for his strong arm and ability to make all the throws on the field. He has good pocket presence and the potential to develop into a starting quarterback at the NFL level. Rourke's arm strength may not be at the same level as McCarthy's, but he has shown the ability to make plays both with his arm and his legs [2].

Other quarterbacks in the 2024 NFL draft class: There are several other quarterbacks in the 2024 NFL draft class who have their own unique skill sets and potential. It's important to evaluate each quarterback individually to get a comprehensive understanding of their strengths and weaknesses compared to Rourke.

[Hambone]

Quite interesting Toppy. Thanks for sharing!

[Toppy Vann]

Quite interesting Toppy. Thanks for sharing!

Just to be clear that was an AI websearch bot on POE.

Based on the available information, it is difficult to determine the exact likelihood of Nathan Rourke becoming a starter or number 2 quarterback in the NFL. However, his college and pro career, especially in the CFL, provide some insights into his potential.

College Career:

Rourke played college football at Ohio University, where he had a successful career as a dual-threat quarterback.
He accumulated impressive statistics, including over 7,000 passing yards, 60 passing touchdowns, and 49 rushing touchdowns during his college tenure.
Rourke's ability to contribute both as a passer and a rusher showcased his versatility and athleticism.
CFL Career:

Rourke was selected by the BC Lions in the second round of the 2020 CFL Draft.
In his final CFL season in 2022, Rourke had a standout performance, throwing for 3,349 yards and 25 touchdowns, while also rushing for 304 yards and 7 touchdowns.
He received the CFL's Most Outstanding Canadian award in 2022, highlighting his impact on the field.
Rourke's ability to make plays under pressure, escape from defenders, and deliver accurate passes was evident in his CFL film.
NFL Journey:

Rourke's NFL journey began when he signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2023.
He had a solid preseason with the Jaguars, showcasing his skills and potential as a quarterback [1].
The New England Patriots claimed Rourke off waivers in December 2023, indicating that they saw potential in him as a developmental quarterback [1].
Rourke was able to move up the depth chart and became the backup quarterback for the Patriots in Week 18 of the 2023 season [1].
The Patriots re-signed Rourke for the 2024 season, indicating their continued interest in his development [2].
Likelihood and Comparisons:

While it is challenging to determine the exact likelihood of Rourke becoming a starter or number 2 quarterback in the NFL, his college and CFL performances suggest he has the potential to compete at the professional level.
Rourke's dual-threat abilities and his ability to make plays under pressure draw comparisons to quarterbacks who excel in improvisation and extending plays, such as Russell Wilson or Kyler Murray.
However, it is important to note that every player's journey is unique, and success in the CFL does not guarantee success in the NFL.

[OV:54-40]

The Al bot weighs in on Nathan - interestin' and funny stuff.

Wonder if the Al bot has any comprehension of how former star CFL QBs have done with real playing time in the NFL: Joe Theissmann, Warren Moon, Dieter Brock, Jeff Garcia ?

Nathan's CFL resume is of course vastly inferior to any and all big Div I program NFL draft pick QB saviors. Any bot can grasp this.