by Adam Vaccaro
Editorial. Photos by AP NewsTim Tebow? Thanks, but no.
Tebow, the polarizing quarterback out of the University of Florida, was spotted having dinner in the North End with Bill Belichick earlier this week, furthering rumors that the Patriots just might have keen interest in drafting the 2007 Heisman Trophy winner.
Ho hum.
Here's five reasons why the Pats should not spend one of their four picks in the first two rounds of this month's draft on Tebow.
The Belichick Patriots have always stressed character, and it seems like the Coach thinks Tebow's got it. However, one has to wonder how his Christian-Republican ideals, of which he is not shy, will go over in a state as blue as Massachusetts.
It may not directly affect his play on the field, but potential fan resentment could drag a young player down. Boston fans lasting images of Curt Schilling will always involve a bloody sock and his leaving the mound for the last time in the 2007 World Series, but most, then and now, roll their eyes when he gets political. Tebow seems ready for professional football, but he was home schooled and played his college ball in his native state.
His personality just might not fit in the northeast.
4) Tom Brady
Yes, the Hall of Famer-to-be is coming up on a contract year, and yes, New England will need to eventually think about grooming a replacement.
It seems, though, that the team is going to prioritize locking up the face of their franchise. An extension is sure to top 5 years. It makes sense to have Tebow spend a couple of years being mentored by an all-time great, but Brady will be around for a lot longer than a couple or even a few years and as such Tebow does not have value in New England as a quarterback.
3) Can He Play Quarterback?
Much of the talk surrounding Tebow has been that his game is unlikely to translate to the NFL. In fact, this is where most of the polarization surrounding him stems from.
Some say he needs to totally relearn how to throw a football. Others say that he is a freakish enough athlete that doing so is unlikely to be a problem. Still, many think that the way he plays now will do him just fine, especially because he is so capable with his feet.
All the same, that there are questions about his ability to play the position make it illogical to draft him when the team is already set at the position for years to come.
2) Is He Willing to Play Elsewhere?
Proponents of this potential draft pick would combat my last two points by saying that Tebow can be used on special teams or even in the backfield or at tight end. I've seen little, though, suggesting that Tebow would be all that excited to be moved from his position. He showed some thin skin with critic Mel Kiper, Jr. (to be clear, Kiper is only critical of Tebow as a quarterback) took a stab at his potential quarterbacking future. He's going to be a high-profile guy no matter what, and if he's unhappy in his role, it could cause a distraction.
Furthermore, drafting base on athleticism has failed the Patriots in the past -- look at Bethel Johnson, for instance, or Chad Jackson.
1) The Depth of This Year's Draft
Still, those who want Tebow in New England will contest that the Patriots have so many picks that they should take some liberties with them.
This argument would make some sense if there weren’t so much to choose from at other positions, and if New England didn't have so many needs elsewhere. Tebow would indeed be a luxury, but the Patriots don't have time or room for luxuries right now.
There are serious needs right now on this club -- and premium positions like wide receiver, linebacker and running back are amongst them. The Patriots are in tremendous position to fill these holes in the draft with four of the first fifty-five picks.
Why not do so?
The team simply has greater needs and there are better fits. Belichick is a Tebow fan? Good for him. Let them exchange a handshake or even a hug following their matchups against one another.
Until then, there's no need to see him any further in New England.
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