Another insider links Patriots with top QB prospect ahead of draft

Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer recently reported that the Patriots hosted Levis for a top-30 visit last week in part because some in the organization think the Kentucky product could slide to New England at pick No. 14 and because "there's people in the front office who really like" Levis. Breer also suggested Patriots head coach Bill Belichick and new offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien aren't completely convinced that Mac Jones is the team's long-term answer at the position. 

Giardi's tweets represent the latest twist in a fascinating offseason regarding Jones' status with the Patriots after the 2021 first-round draft pick allegedly upset Belichick by contacting outsiders for coaching this past campaign. Claims of Belichick "shopping" Jones following the season have been refuted by multiple individuals, while Levis' draft stock seems to be a moving target among analysts. 

CBS Sports' Pete Prisco argued on Tuesday that Levis should be viewed as the top-ranked quarterback in this draft class over Bryce Young of the Alabama Crimson Tide. However, ESPN's Seth Walder pointed out Tuesday that Levis is the top-tier quarterback "most likely" to slide down the actual draft order on Thursday night. 

"The model foresees a low but real chance he could slide into the teens," Walder said about what ESPN's Draft Day Predictor model forecasts as it pertains to when Levis will be selected. 

Of the six CBS Sports analysts who have updated mock drafts this week, only Ryan Wilson believes Levis will be available for New England at pick No. 14. None of those six individuals are predicting the Patriots will trade up for Levis.