New England Patriots Draft: TCU QB Andy Dalton to Workout for Pats

In a report from the Fort Worth Star-Telegram Friday, the New England Patriots have scheduled a private workout with Texas Christian University quarterback Andy Dalton. 

The Patriots are obviously not in desperate need of a quarterback, but the team neglected to carry a third stringer all throughout the 2010 season. 

Dalton, who's leaving TCU as a senior, could potentially be New England's future third stringer and even an NFL starting quarterback in the near future. 

2010 was Dalton's most impressive year at TCU. He threw for 2,857 yards, an impressive 27 touchdowns and only six interceptions. He was nearly as efficient with his touchdown-to-interception ratio as Tom Brady was. 

Dalton, who's projected to go in the middle rounds of the NFL draft in April, appears to have all the "mental" and "non-football" intangibles that Patriots head coach Bill Belichick looks for in a player.

At the NFL combine in Indianapolis, Dalton discussed his strengths and weaknesses as a player:

"I'm a smart quarterback, I work really hard, I'm a perfectionist. I can make all the throws. I think the thing I need to work on the most is being under center a little more. We ran a lot of shotgun."

Dalton could be a project if New England does decide to call his number. He'd come into New England under the wing of Tom Brady, and join back-up Brian Hoyer as apprentices under an NFL great.  

NOTE: This article was first seen at PatriotsPlus.net. Be sure to follow Tony Santorsa on Twitter @  TonySantorsa