2011 NFL Draft Results: Ryan Mallett to Be a Development QB in New England

We all knew that the New England Patriots had interest in drafting a quarterback, but no one expected that quarterback to be as highly rated as Ryan Mallett.

The New England Patriots spent their 74th overall selection on the Arkansas quarterback.

Following the conclusion of the third round of the 2011 NFL draft, Bill Belichick gave the media an explanation on drafting the 6'7" quarterback:

"We just felt like he was a good player. He’s had a lot of production. He’s won everywhere he’s been: high school, college," Belichick said.

"He did a good job at Michigan. They came in and changed offenses and that was definitely beyond his control. I think he’s been a successful, productive quarterback all the way through his career: high school, college. He’s an impressive guy to talk to."

Despite major character issues with Mallett, including previous drug use, the Patriots felt inclined to select Mallett in the third-round as they felt his pass was just too much to pass on. 

In that press conference in Foxborough, Belichick went onto indicate how much of a football kind of guy Mallett really is: 

"He’s definitely a football guy. He's a great kid to talk to, and he’s very into football. You can’t wear him out; as long as you want to talk about it, he’ll be there," Belichick said.

"However many hours it is, he’s ready to go watch the film or go talk about a new technique or a route or a read or whatever." 

From what Belichick is noting, it appears that he was very impressed with his dedication and how he's a football "nerd."

Mallett definitely has all the tools to be a great NFL quarterback, and it's rather surprising to see such a highly equipped prospect fall that far. 

During his final two years at Arkansas, he's thrown at least 30 touchdowns in both seasons and over 3,600 yards as well—a very productive and efficient passer. 

The biggest knock on Mallett is that at times he can be erratic throwing the ball—he leaves college with a career 57.8 completion percentage; however, last season he completed 64.7 percent of his passes.

His huge arm is obviously the most intriguing trait regarding Mallett; however, it can get him into trouble sometimes.

Mallett can throw the ball close to 75 mph, but at times, he will try to force the ball into tight windows, which can results in an interceptions or overthrowing the receiver because he's aiming and throwing it so hard. 

Overall, Mallett definitely as all the tools to be a very successful passer at the next level.

Mallett is best suited to spend time on the bench, behind the league's top quarterback in Tom Brady. If Mallett is really passionate about learning the game, then he'll develop quite nicely behind Brady. 

Could Belichick and New England's draft team be setting themselves up for a situation similar to the Green Bay quarterback transition from Brett Favre to Aaron Rodgers?

I hope so, considering how smoothly it went for the Packers and Rodgers.

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