Jeff Christensen: 'Bill Belichick says Jimmy Garoppolo is like a linebacker'

Quarterback coach Jeff Christensen has revealed that Bill Belichick told him that Jimmy Garoppolo reminds him of a linebacker.

The New England Patriots selected the 23-year-old in the second round of the 2014 Draft with a view to him being a potential successor to Tom Brady.

Christensen – who is the private coach of the quarterback – has revealed that Belichick was full of praise for Garoppolo and his attitude towards the game, despite his minimal playing time last season.

"I talked to Bill [Belichick] at the combine, and I asked him how Jimmy was doing," Christensen told WEEI.

"He said '[Jimmy] looks like a linebacker. He works out like a linebacker. He acts like a linebacker. I really like him a lot, coach. You did a great job with him. Thank you.'"

Garoppolo threw for 182 yards and one touchdown in his rookie season.