Kraft: No one knows how Patriots QB Jimmy Garappolo would play

Patriots owner Robert Kraft is hopeful that an appeal will allow stud quarterback Tom Brady to take the field for the season opener in September. But if Brady remains suspended for his role in Deflategate, the quality of the position is thrown into uncertainty.

Jimmy Garoppolo is a 24-year-old backup with six NFL games and 27 passes to his credit. Kraft has no idea how he will perform in Brady's place.

"He is a very hard worker, a very fine man, but until the bullets are flying and you're out there, no one knows," he told Monday Morning Quarterback. "Think about how many of these first-round picks, even, don't make it."

Garappolo, who was selected in the second round of the 2014 draft out of Eastern Illinois, performed competently in limited opportunities last year. He completed 19 of 27 passes for 182 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions.