Zappes 435 yards against them is the most yards thrown for by a quarterback against Army since at least 2000, as thats as far as sportsreference.com goes back. However, those limitations would crop up with tighter windows and more athletic defenders at the NFL level if he had to see extended playing time. . This makes me conflicted on where his arm strength lies. Much like Jones, Zappe has a quick release and is an accurate short-to-intermediate passer when throwing in rhythm. Evan Hull Scouting Report: Is he the next Christian McCaffrey. We know absolutely nothing about the NFL draft. Nobody has ever done anything close to what he's done in 14 games. Bailey Zappe has average height but a good build for the quarterback position. This is something differentsomething raw and something real. Most importantly, success, with the way he's able to produce on the field and do what's right for the team and get the ball to the playmakers, which he was fortunate enough to have at Houston Baptist and at Western Kentucky.. However, that offering from the hot take hotel is built on smoke and mirrors. Bailey Zappe NFL . Western Kentucky doesnt have a good defense or running game, they just have Bailey Zappe. Bailey Zappe seems to play every game at an extremely high level. Zac Robinson, drafted by Belichick in the seventh round of the 2010 draft. Still, adding at the position is nothing new for the Patriots, and the organization knows full well the value of improving across the board, even at the backup position. I watched a lot of film on Zappe, multiple games from multiple years. Watch more top videos, highlights, and B/R original content. In fact, their history doesnt stretch back far as they officially became an FCS school in 2014. "If we were at a Power Five school, it would have been different," Kittley says. When evaluating positions of need for the New England Patriots heading into the 2022 NFL Draft, quarterback was unlikely to be a part of the list. This is not a vertical-based system. His downfield throws usually have a nice touch on them, the right amount of arc. Those inside the circle are much more bullish. May 6, 2022 / 3:02 PM / CBS Boston. Compounding matters was the idea that it was the Patriots who drafted him, as New England was one of those teams who drafted a QB early last year in Mac Jones. But, for the most part, analysts have settled on, I think when we got to WKU, we integrated a lot of power run scheme Your powers, your counters, all of that. But for what they do as an offense Zappe is their kind of quarterback. We know what Toms age and contract situation is. It's something I've been dreaming for since I first started playing football at 5 years old. Jerreth, Zappe's roommate at HBU, recruited his quarterback to join him. Did the Packers blow it by once again passing on the receiver position in Round 1? Bailey Zappe Draft Stock. Last weekend, Bailey Zappe got the call of a lifetime from Bill Belichick. The Patriots made seven selections on Day 3 of the NFL Draft, headlined by a talented . 2022 Leaf Metal Draft Bailey Zappe Auto Rookie Autograph # 2/5. Even now, at around 6'1" and 215 pounds, Zappe doesn't possess the body most NFL scouts covet. Top moment in my life ever.". And although he spent much of his life trying to capture the attention of the programs that suddenly coveted his abilities, he turned down offers at major programs for an opportunity that felt just right. As you peel back the layers of Zappe's underwhelming recruitment, it starts with his hometown. This part is no longer uncomfortable. $1.21 Tears again welled in the eyes of the quarterback . / CBS Boston. It seems they didnt have a football program before that. I mean, that feeling will probably never happen again, just that -- that was awesome. #HeyRookie, (via @NFLFilms) pic.twitter.com/rnwWGozBlK. For some reason height still matters to some NFL teams and scouts. When asked about his new teammate by reporters on Saturday, Zappe was unsurprisingly effusive in his praise. Im confident Zappe can play behind any offensive line and be successful. The Lions were zapped. I am more excited to get there, get to work and meet my teammates, meet everyone who is a part of the organization and get ready to start playing some football.. ", Bill Belichick gave QB @baileyzappe04 a phone call he'll never forget. Share. Its been two years since, The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers arent known as a football factory, but theyre a step up from where Zappe started. Getting that call from the Patriots was amazing, Zappe said. Sign up for the Touchdown Wire newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning. But he throws a catchable ball and shows good vision and knowledge of where to go with the ball, which makes up for physical shortcomings. "I can't speak more highly about him," says Zach Kittley, Zappe's former offensive coordinator at HBU and Western Kentucky. Western Kentuckys Bailey Zappe, to the New England Patriots. Its been two years since Tyree Jackson broke my heart, but Ive finally found another sleeper quarterback to get excited about. This marks the second consecutive year that the Patriots drafted a quarterback after selecting Mac Jones in the first round in 2021. There are throws that look like they have the right amount of zip on them, but a lot of his throws travel slower than I would like. Bucky Brooks highlights 10 perfect rookie-team fits from the 2022 NFL Draft. As Victoria East High School coach Roland Gonzalez likes to say, "We have our own newspaper, a TV station and two high schools. Houston Baptist may be FCS, but they are not a historically good FCS team. Zappe burst onto the scene from Western Kentucky when Jones was injured at the beginning of last season. He was given the freedom to change plays as he saw fita strength both he and his coaches believe separate him compared to other quarterbacks in this class. Last season, Zappe set Football Bowl Subdivision records by throwing for 5,967 yards and62 touchdowns. . First published on April 30, 2022 / 1:45 PM. So if this ends with Zappe becoming the backup instead of Stidham, with Hoyer serving as the mentor/veteran option, then the organization will view that as a successful selection. 2014 saw the Patriots draft Jimmy Garoppolo in the second round, another player who was getting first round attention during his draft cycle. Patriots fans, after all, were asked whether they would like to see Hoyer or rookie quarterback Bailey Zappe start with Jones out. Is Brad Holmes' enthusiastic drafting paying dividends for the Lions? One of my colleagues seems to be upset hes not winning these games. "If you're going to go there," Zappe says of his hometown, "you're probably going to drive right through it. Belichick makes a similar move with Zappe here. It's just like a surreal moment for me. After the Garoppolo selection in 2014, Belichick was noted as saying [w]ith the situation we have at quarterbackI think youre better off being early than late at that position. He went on to address the decision to add Garoppolo despite having Mallett and Brady still on the roster. The team and the conference certainly played a role in the lack of awareness surrounding his success. April 13, 2022 12:40 pm ET. Take this catch-and-run play against Indiana: This is a 4th and 7 play in the fourth quarter. Like Zappe, Sterns made the decision to declare for the draft at the conclusion of the season. Zappe maintained his composure while speaking with the Patriots, but once that call ended, he couldn't hold back his emotions. As a little-known fourth-round draft pick, his agent took to social media to take aim at the doubters. 3.74%. As for Zappe, he has been given the opportunity to join an organization rich in tradition at quarterback. The Commanders might have found their future starting QB when they took Sam Howell in Round 5 -- but he wasn't the only potential gem in the 2022 NFL Draft. Zappe has laid about as solid of a foundation as one could ask for from a quarterback and considering that hes mostly projected in the middle or later rounds, hes going to be a high-value pick at that place on the board. There's always value in having good players on your team, said Groh. Bailey Zappe is a stud. Mark Schofield tries to offer the answers. "Bailey knew the offense so well he could run it in his sleep. What Im saying is Bailey Zappe wasnt a big time college football recruit. NFL Draft: Patriots add QB Bailey Zappe, DB Jack Jones, and two running backs on Day 3. The dissection of Zappe's game and production will continue until he's finally selected in the NFL draft. Yardage after the catch. He's thrown for over 5,500 passing yards and 56 touchdowns this season, not including his upcoming bowl game . Two years ago, the executive director of the Senior Bowl was asked if he knew anything about a quarterback out of Houston Baptist. Another way to look at it is that Victoria is in the middle of nowhere, which it largely is. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 2022 PANINI CHRONICLES PHOENIX DRAFT BAILEY ZAPPE ROOKIE CARD - PATRIOTS QB at the best online prices at eBay! He moves well within the pocket and demonstrates a good eye for recognizing pressure. Here was Zappe's scouting report ahead of the draft, courtesy of Field Level Media. Free shipping for many products! But you see the feel for leverage and the anticipation he has as a passer. 135 overall. They have seen up close just what an impact he can have on a team or game. In some ways, it was familiar. Sign up to receive all the latest news and annoucements. Im very excited about Western Kentucky quarterback Bailey Zappe, and you should be too. In fact, the scouting reports on Zappe range wildly. With Zappe at the helm, New England took the Packers to overtime before eventually losing 27-24. Zappe's recruiting profiles to this day are largely incomplete, blank canvases. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Did anyone nail their first three picks more than the Eagles? Zappe completed 69.2 percent of his passes . At least that's what Gonzalez, who coached Zappe during high school, theorizes. In 2019 Zappe threw for 3,811 yards with 35 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. Bailey Zappe's 46 Big Time Throws in 2021 were the most by ANY QB since 2014 . However, it should be noted that Zappe provides a bit more than just insurance and depth at the position. After all, the Patriots currently host three quarterbacks on their roster, starter Mac Jones, along with backups Jarrett Stidham and Brian Hoyer. Texas Tech almost lost to Houston Baptist, can we stop and really take that in for a minute? Making his way to the Hilltoppers by way of Houston Baptist University, Zappe is a gunslinger in every sense of the word. Given his production, his completion percentage and most everything else, there aren't many other traits to take issue with. Zappe, who previously played at Houston Baptist, alsohad the highest Wonderlic score among quarterback prospects this year. On Friday, the team selected Western Kentucky quarterback Bailey Zappein the fourth round with the No. I expect Zappe to be the Case Keenum who led the Vikings to the NFC Championship game. Things went far better for the Patriots and Zappe, the fourth-round draft pick from Western Kentucky who made the start Sunday with Mac Jones still sidelined by his high . Said Patriots director of player personnel Matt Groh on picking a quarterback only one year after taking Jones with the No. For Western Kentucky quarterback Bailey Zappe, that call came in the fourth round from the New England Patriots. 14 G, 476-687 (69.3%), 5967 YDS (8.7 Y/A), 62 TD, 11 INT, 168.8 RATING, 51 ATT, 17 YDS, 3 TD. All Rights Reserved. Chad Reuter identifies 12 rookies picked on Day 3 of the NFL draft who could be in line for starter snaps in Year 1. Who will take advantage of potential opportunities? At HBU, we kind of did more inside zone, outside zone. Bailey Zappe attended Victoria East high school in Texas where he passed for 3,770 yards and 37 yards and rushed for 650 yards and 15 touchdowns as a senior and was also an academic all-state honoree. He spent four years at Houston Baptist before transferring to Western Kentucky for 2021 season. Very good accuracy on short and intermediate throws. While he doesn't have the arm strength to consistently drive the ball, he does throw a catchable deep ball by getting the throw out early and with loft. We had a little bit more run game when we got to WKU intermixed with that Air Raideverybody thinks were just straight Air Raid.. New England Patriots rookie quarterback Bailey Zappe has been a great find for head coach Bill Belichick. Pretty average numbers, but not too bad for a young quarterback at a fledgling football program. Zach Kittley was hired by Shealy for his first full-time position with Houston Baptist after spending years as a graduate assistant at Texas Tech. We offer recommendations from over 100 fantasy football experts! Then he FaceTimed his agent, Nicole Lynn. BOSTON (CBS) -- The Patriots spent their third selection of the fourth round -- No. What Im saying is Bailey Zappe wasnt a big time college football recruit. In a draft year when nothing at quarterback feels solidified, the most productive offensive player from this past season remains an afterthought to many. Please enter valid email address to continue. Click Here To Find Out How To Test. Free shipping for many products! That story has been written plenty of times before. 2022 Panini Select Draft Picks Bailey Zappe Rookie RC #10 Concourse Blue Pats. He led the nation in touchdown passes during the regular season. Believes Beijing Is Considering . The Aggies barely survived Zappe and squeaked by with a 35-33 win. The New England Patriots on Saturday used a fourth-round pick to draft Zappe, a quarterback out of Western Kentucky . 137 overall pick in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft on Saturday. ", "I got drafted by the Patriots. Rookie cards, autographs and more. Zappe fits that profile to a T. If the Patriots were a more downfield-based attack, Howell was perhaps a better fit. The latest in the sports world, emailed daily. 1 to 32. Brian Hoyer is the veteran backup who helps in the film room. The Patriots drafted Zappe in the fourth round, pick 137 in the 2022 NFL Draft out of Western Kentucky. (Jones is) a phenomenal quarterback, a great QB as the rest of the QBs (are) in that room, Zappe said. I don't know how to put it into words. "I've been crying the whole time," Zappe told his agent via FaceTime. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 2022 Select Draft Picks Youth Explosion Auto Silver #YE-BZA Bailey Zappe at the best online prices at eBay! Chad Reuter ranks his favorite picks in each round. Putting up video game numbers for the Hilltoppers this past season2021 Stats (before bowl): 69% CMP, 5,545 YDS, 56 TD, 11 INT, 3 Rush TD Although many assumed that both the team and conference invalidate some of Zappe's numbers, Nagy saw the QB thrive in some of his team's most important games this year. He has below average to average arm strength. He was actually an N/A rated recruit, no stars given. The . Only 36 percent of fans gave the 14-year veteran their vote. 1 overall draft pick in 2023, threw for 4,872 yards and 47 touchdowns. He isn't an overwhelming athlete and has below-average arm strength, but knows exactly what he is and maximizes what he has. While Howell was perhaps the best deep-ball passer in the class, think of the Patriots offense. But, for the most part, analysts have settled on Kenny Pickett or Malik Willis being the first passer off the board. The combination of his small school background and non rocket like arm will probably mean he flies under the radar. Now with a seat in the room is Zappe, who . He isn't an overwhelming athlete and has below-average arm strength, but knows exactly what he is and maximizes what . Hall of Fame quarterback Kurt Warner reached out to congratulate him. The Patriots drafted him in . Not everyone agrees. . Although he threw the ball 49 times per game, he still completed 69.2 percent of his throws. It's as if someone started them and forgot to finish. Despite the seeming over-indulgence, conspiracy theorists may attempt to construct a narrative of Zappe being brought in to displace Jones. Shows a very good understanding of the concepts being run. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. Zappe led the FBS in completions (51) and yards (1,805) on deep passes in 2021. Throws a very catchable deep ball. The Patriots selected Western Kentucky quarterback Bailey Zappe with the No. Finding a valuable 10 year backup late on day 3 or as an undrafted free agent is incredible value. Im really excited for this opportunity., NFL Draft day one winners: Jets, Giants make franchise altering picks. In what was another surprising pick by Bill Belichick, the Patriots added another quarterback in the NFL draft. The New England Patriots drafted the quarterback as the 137th overall pick of the 2022 NFL Draft, and the rookie made a name for himself in the league this season after appearing in four games. He threw for 2,822 yards with 23 touchdowns and 13 interceptions while posting a 57.8% completion percentage. His contributions on the field, as well as in the quarterback room, will be a welcomed addition in New England. First, he took WKU to the C-USA Championship game. So, what's next for this group -- in 2022 and beyond? "I was able to check-in and out of plays as I saw fit.". Unfortunately for Zappe, he didn . Remains accurate out of structure. Not the historic season that saw him throw for more yards and touchdowns than any quarterback in the history of college football. 127-ranked player in the class and the No. He's a phenomenal quarterback, Zappe said of Jones. Tennessee, Notre Dame and USC all checked in. "He wasn't that real tall quarterback that would sit in the pocket, and we didn't run him a ton. Picture Information. One of the most productive passers in college football history, Zappe will now back up 2021 first-round pick Mac Jones. Last season, Zappe had a seven-touchdown day against Tennessee-Martin, a pair of six-touchdown days (against Florida Atlantic and Appalachian State), and three five-touchdowns games (against Old Dominion, Rice, and UTSA). He improved his completion percentage to 63.8. The next year they added another player in the seventh round who was a college quarterback, although he carved out a role as a wide receiver. Zappe, a fourth-round pick out of Western Kentucky in the 2022 NFL Draft, has continued to impress . It bears repeating, Western Kentucky isnt a football powerhouse. His 62 passing touchdowns broke the mark set by former LSU QB Joe Burrow, who threw for 60 touchdowns in 2019. 15 overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft by the New England Patriots. December 1, 2021. And then, when his football fate is decided, he will attempt to do what he's done for much of his life. In what was another surprising pick by Bill Belichick, the Patriots added another quarterback in the NFL draft. "I don't think he got the credit he should have," Kittley says. At least that's one way to look at it. Very good accuracy. Did the talent-poor Falcons get the roster infusion they needed? The Pats are never shy at stockpiling the most critical position in football and figuring it out later -- a la Jimmy Garoppolo or Jacoby Brissett. Regardless, Zappe's play through the 2021 college football season has elevated him firmly into the 2022 NFL Draft conversation. Marc Ross spotlights 10 rookies set up for success in the 2022 NFL season and beyond. His lack of size, arm strength and true athleticism limits his upside and viability to be an every-week starter. "I knew that the Patriots were up, but I was like, the Patriots aren't gonna pick me right now. Desmond Ridders ACP of 73.9% placed him 33rd among collegiate passers. Follow full coverage of Bailey Zappe during the 2022 NFL Draft on ESPN.com. They added Matt Cassell in the seventh round in 2005, and Kevin OConnell in the third round in 2008 (now the second former quarterback drafted by Belichick to become an NFL head coach). Zappe was in the hallway when his cell phone rang, with Patriots director of football/head coach administration Berj Najarian on the other end of the line. The quarterback followed offensive coordinator Zach . His interception numbers are low too, especially considering hes almost exclusively playing against better football programs. Zappe had an unreal stat line during the 2021 season . "Watch his pro day tape," Nagy says. To be clear, that is not hyperbole. Starting with the 2011 draft, the Patriots started to address the position earlier and early each time. Army has a traditionally strong defense in college football. They also have Brian Hoyer and Stidham in the fold. Who failed to address serious needs? The combination of his small school background and non rocket like arm will probably mean he flies under the radar. "How does a guy go from where he was to breaking all these records? Bucky Brooks explores what the future holds for each of the top six quarterbacks selected. But between the third and fifth rounds of the NFL Draft, a team is going to get Zappe and, in my view, gain a . In what was another surprising pick by Bill Belichick, the Patriots added another quarterback in the NFL draft. You've got to have plenty of talent there at that position, and we had an opportunity to add Bailey and tried to add some good value to the quarterback position.. He wasn't just underrecruited; he was largely ignored. In the wake of this move, many wondered why, if the Patriots were going to take a quarterback, Zappe was the selection given other options on the board. Im happy to be one of the few that believes in him because I have all the faith in the world he will prove me right. 6 quarterback and No. BOSTON (CBS) -- Getting drafted by an NFL team is the culmination of a lifetime of work for young football players. It's a wide-open quarterback class ahead of the 2022 NFL Draft, as has been the story since the beginning of the season. In 2011 they added Ryan Mallett, who drew some first-round buzz thanks to his size and arm talent. Zappe also led Houston Baptist to their best record ever, 5-7. That was Julian Edelman. AFC personnel exec: Selling The New England Patriots are 2-0 with rookie Bailey Zappe as their starting quarterback, and head coach Bill Belichick isn't guaranteeing, at least publicly, that Mac Jones will get his job back when healthy.. That seems to be a message for Jones to not get complacent in his recovery from a high ankle sprain. Beyond pure accuracy, Zappe has great feel for the leverage of the nearest defender, and is adept at putting the football in a spot to lead his receivers away from the closest threat, and towards open space, throwing on time and in rhythm. Why record-setting QB Bailey Zappe smiles when clearing up 'misconception' ahead of NFL draft Jori Epstein, USA TODAY 5/6/2022 As China Calls for Peace, U.S. Here's why the team pursued Zappe despite spending a first-round pick on Jones in the previous draft. Just taking it day by day and continuing to get better. Zappe also shows above average athleticism. Zappe spoke with Pats head coach Bill Belichick, then enjoyed an emotional celebration with his family, his agent, and the rest of those in attendance at his draft party. He drops absolute dimes all over the field. Head coach Tyson Helton, who spent one year with the quarterback, calls him the best hes ever worked with because of his mental processing ability, talent as a pure passer, understanding of protections, and reading defenses, among a host of other reasons. If he waits to see it come open, the throw will be late. NFL and the NFL shield design are registered trademarks of the National Football League.The team names, logos and uniform designs are registered trademarks of the teams indicated. has Zappe as the No. I only mention it because others will and its stupid. Before then, his home was Houston Baptistthe one school that saw something no one else did. List Biggest steals from the 2022 NFL draft Given the fact that the team will almost certainly not . Burrow won the Heisman, a national championship and was drafted No. April 30, 2022 / 1:45 PM The overview: Zappe has one of the best rsums in college quarterback history if based solely on production . This guy is a winner, the way he's able to lead and command his team. Bailey Zappe weighs 220 lbs (99 kg). Stidham, 25, heads into the final year of his rookie contract after landing in the fourth round of the 2019 draft and not taking a snap last season. Kittley, meanwhile, accepted the offensive coordinator position at Western Kentucky. Zappe's a bit short, at 6-foot-1, but his selection would seemingly put him firmly in the mix to fight for the backup QB job in New England. ", NFL DRAFT WINNERS, LOSERS: Patriots, Bears take puzzling paths on Day 2, MORE: The NFL draft's top QBs endured a steep slide here's what's next for them. Get instant advice on your decision to draft Bailey Zappe or Jacoby Brissett in 2023. Groh offered insight on the teams reasoning behind drafting Zappe and the reason is simply to maximize value at the games most important position. The 2022 NFL Draft isn't considered strong at quarterback, but there are still plenty of prospects with potential. Please check your email for a confirmation. But the rest of the congratulations largely came from his inner circle. Someone please measure his ball velocity, because if its average then look out. February 16, 2022. In my honest opinion, I don't think his season will ever be replicated again. "I've told everyone I've talked to that they will not go wrong drafting Bailey Zappe.". As I said, some of his mid range throws have a nice velocity and arrive quickly. Despite not having the strongest arm, his ball placement downfield can create explosive plays. Stidham could be a cheap trade target for teams looking for a younger backup type or a cut candidate during training camp. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2023 Draft Network. He ultimately was the fifth passer selected at No. Zappe led the nation in passing yards and passing touchdowns.