New England Patriots Depth Chart Analysis: Quarterback Position

This is the first of a series of articles, in which I will break down each position on the Patriots roster. This first edition will cover the quarterback position.

In The Mix:

Tom Brady, Matt Cassell, Matt Gutierrez, and Kevin O'Connell

Strengths:

Tom Brady will go down as one of the greatest quarterbacks ever to play the game. It can't hurt to have a guy like that on your team. Tom is signed through 2010.

Weaknesses:

After Brady, we're looking at three guys who have never started in an NFL game. Cassell has seen some game time, but looked nervous and uncomfortable more times than not.

Gutierrez looked good last year during the pre-season, but that rarely translates to regular season poise. If, God forbid, Tom should go down with an injury, I'm not so sure that Matt would be able to step in and offer leadership to the offense right away.

Kevin O'Connell is a rookie. The only thing he has going for him right now is the fact that he gets to learn from Brady. It was interesting though, that the Patriots took this guy in the draft when they had other needs. Could this be Tom Brady's replacement in a few years?

Analysis:

Matt Cassell will have his hands full trying to keep the second spot on the depth chart. If Gutierrez can show improved knowledge of the playbook, I'm expecting him to take over the backup role.

I wouldn't even be surprised if the Patriots were to trade Cassell before the regular season. I'm sure somebody could use a career backup...

I'm assuming O'Connell will be signed to the practice squad this year. He'll have plenty of time to learn the Patriots' system in the next few years, if they are indeed planning to groom him into their future starter.

Brady looks to follow up on last year's record-breaking season with yet another incredible performance, and there's no reason to think he won't. With almost all of his receivers still in place, it should be another season of highlight reel material week in and week out.

Chris Radez is a columnist at Bleacher Report, and he is one of the founders of TheScoreBoards Sports Forums. You can reach Chris by commenting on this article, leaving a note on his BR profile page, or by sending him a note at TSB, where he lives under the moniker NEsince92.