North Dakota State quarterback Trey Lance runs the ball in the Dakota Marker game against South Dakota State on Oct. 26, 2019 in Brookings, S.D. Argus Leader-USA TODAY NETWORK

Report: Patriots scouting Trey Lance at QB's pre-draft pro day

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 3/12/21

The New England Patriots reportedly re-signed Cam Newton to a one-year deal on Friday. However, that's not stopping the franchise from scouting the top quarterbacks in the 2021 draft.

According to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, the Patriots sent national scout Matt Groh to North Dakota State to watch Trey Lance's pre-draft pro day.

We mentioned the Jets, Lions, Falcons, Panthers, Broncos and WFT will top guys in Fargo. More on NDSU Pro Day ...

• Niners will be repped, but not by Lynch or Shanahan.
• Dolphins will be repped, but not by Grier or Flores.
• Patriots will have nat'l scout Matt Groh there.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 12, 2021

Lance is considered the third- or-fourth-best quarterback in the 2021 draft and many analysts have him being selected in the top-10. The Patriots, who own the 15th pick, would likely have to move up to land Lance.

The 20-year-old would be an intriguing pick for the Patriots. In 2019, Lance completed 66.9% of his passes for 2,786 yards and 28 touchdowns against zero interceptions for. He also ran for 1,100 yards 14 touchdowns.

Lance did not play in 2020 and analysts don't believe he'll be ready to be an NFL starter in 2021. However, New England could have him learn under Newton, one of the most mobile QBs in NFL history, for one year before giving him the job in 2022.

Erin Walsh is a Boston sports fan through and through. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Bridgewater State University and currently is in pursuit of her Master's Degree in Journalism from Northeastern University. Follow her on Twitter @ewalsh90.

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