Tom Brady took to Instagram to approve of ‘beast’ Lamar Jackson

Some pundits don’t think 2016 Heisman Trophy winner Lamar Jackson has the chops to play quarterback in the NFL. The Louisville product has a number of supporters as he prepares for the 2018 NFL Draft, however — and one is the winningest passer in league history.

Tom Brady commented on an NFL Network Instagram post speculating whether his Patriots could draft Jackson this May. His reply, tagged at Deion Sanders and captured by Mass Live reporter Kevin Dillon, was short and sweet: “he’s a beast!!!! [thumbs up emoji].”

Brady’s praise could tip his team’s draft strategy. The Patriots are in need of a developmental quarterback to take over once the 40-year-old finally retires as one of the greatest to ever play the game. Jimmy Garoppolo once filled that role, but he was traded to the San Francisco 49ers this season in exchange for a second-round pick.

While that move seems like a steal for the Niners now, that pick, No. 43 overall, could be used to select Garoppolo’s replacement and Brady’s heir. Though it seems unlikely the dual-threat quarterback would fall out of the second round, New England could dangle that pick as trade bait should the club feel Jackson won’t slide all the way to their first selection at No. 23. The Patriots have four of the top 63 picks at this year’s draft, and Bill Belichick’s love of draft day trades suggests his team will be active when it comes to shipping out picks and assets.

Brady’s compliment even got back to Jackson himself, who had a simple response.