I was massively disappointed when the Pats didn't pick Lamar Jackson, but in retrospect, I'd still rather have that last ring the Pats got. Highly doubt they would've won it that last time with the 5 ring circus that would've brought up. There were a LOT of people who were already getting sour on TB12 for becoming quite the diva by that time. In hindsight, maybe Hurts or Love over Dugger 2020? What would your succession plan be if you played MondayMorningGM given their financial constraints? Even if TB12 stayed, Pats would probably still be bad this year. TB12 would've had his 1st sub .500 record in his last year, probably wouldn't have his 7th ring because he didn't have Evans/Godwin/Nutjob, and fans would've really soured on his Giselle drama.
Let's take a look at the imho really good QBs (5 years) that have been picked since the Lamar pick: Burrow (who sucked this year), Hurts, Purdy and maayyybe Lawrence. 57 QBs drafted... 4 who are really good... maybe add Stroud too - tough to know for the 2023 draft. No, someone like Herbert with a sub .500 winning percentage doesn't make you "really good" - I don't count shouldacouldawouldas. Basically, when you have a 7% chance of getting a really good QB, it's tough to have a "real" succession plan.