FOXBORO And then there were none.The New England Patriots announced on Thursday that they have signed quarterback Bailey Zappe to his rookie deal. Zappe had been the last of New Englands 2022 NFL Draft cla s to agree to terms with the club. First-round choice , while second-round pick . Maxx Crosby Jersey The Patriots raised more than a few eyebrows when they selected the Western Kentucky quarterback with the 137th pick in the fourth round of the draft. At the time, Zappes selection gave the Pats four quarterbacks on their roster for the upcoming season. In fact, many began to wonder Willie Brown Jersey whether the Patriots had squandered valuable draft capital by overindulging in a position of strength. However, New England decided to thin out the mix at the position, in exchange for a sixth-round selection. The move seemingly paved the way for Zappe to earn a spot on the teams positional depth chart for 2022. He is expected to compete with veteran backup Brian Hoyer as the Pats second option, behind starter Mac Jones.Scroll to ContinueZappe had an overwhelmingly succe sful statistical season at Western Kentucky in 2021. He set FBS single-season records with 62 pa sing touchdowns and 5,967 pa sing yards. The 23-year-old is also a strong Clelin Ferrell Jersey logistical fit within New Englands style. Much like Jones, Zappe has a quick release and is an accurate short-to-intermediate pa ser when throwing in rhythm. He moves well within the pocket and demonstrates a good eye for recognizing pre sure. In order to be an effective pro, he must improve upon his accuracy when throwing on the move. While he does not project as a particular mobile quarterback, his skill set fits well within New Englands system. When you put on the film of Bailey Zappe, it's hard not to like him, Patriots director of player personnel Matt Groh told reporters in May. It's a lot of completions, it's a lot of touchdown pa ses, and it's a lot of wins. This guy is a winner, the way he's able to lead and command his team. He's got a lot of great traits that you want in a quarterback. Most Richie Incognito Jersey importantly, succe s, 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. Coach Helton gave Las Vegas Raiders T Shirts him a lot of responsibility, and he really did a great job for his teams.Terms of Zappes contract as well as that of both Strange and Thornton have yet to be disclosed. With their entire draft cla s now under contract, the Patriots rookies will report to training camp on July 19. Their veteran teammates will join them for the in Foxboro, Ma sachusetts.