Tom Brady: Addition of Ryan Mallett Will Fuel Stellar Season for the Patriots QB

In the 2000 NFL draft, the New England Patriots selected the future of their franchise in quarterback Tom Brady. The Patriots used their sixth-round draft pick, the 199th overall, on the former Michigan quarterback. 

Brady entered training camp with all the confidence in the world, but no one expected him to eventually earn the starting job over the team's franchise player, Drew Bledsoe.

Bledsoe suffered a sheared blood vessel in his chest during the team's second game in 2001 against the New York Jets, which then placed an opportunity in front of Brady—and we all know how that ended: Bledsoe was replaced by Brady, and New England went on to win three out of four Super Bowls.

This year, with the 74th overall pick in the third round, the Patriots selected quarterback Ryan Mallett. According to many scouts, Mallett was the most physically gifted quarterback in the draft, but his stock fell so far due to some personal issues.

Much like the 2000 training camp, Mallett will enter the team's training camp with all the confidence in the world—which means that Brady will have even more of an chip on his shoulder as he'll be eying the promising prospect.

Some may speculate that Brady will be fueled to have an incredible season in 2011, due to the addition of Mallett and the pressure put on Brady to perform to such high standards—which is a definite possibility.

Brady is well aware of how he "stole" the starting job away from Bledsoe, and he'll do whatever it takes to ensure that Mallett, or even Brian Hoyer will never have the chance to return the favor.

As Brady is such a fierce competitor, he may not admit that he took the addition of Mallett as a personal "slap in the face," but it definitely sparked a bold comment out of Brady via a text message.

In a report done by Boston.com, former NFL quarterback and now NFL Network analyst Kurt Warner reported that he sent a text message to Brady regarding the selection of Mallett and Brady replied with a vow to play another 10 years for the New England Patriots. 

Whether Brady admits it or not, he'll enter 2011 with an even larger chip on his shoulder.

The reigning MVP is coming off of a record-breaking 2010 season, as he was the first unanimous MVP award winner and he's the new recorder holder of passes thrown without an interception (335). Along with those records, Brady threw for 3,900 yards, 36 touchdowns and an incredible 111.0 passer rating.

As Brady is coming off of arguably his best season in his career, he'll be even better next season, as he'll have Mallett breathing down his neck as the possible heir to Brady's shoes in New England. 

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