Michigan Football: Why was Shea Patterson drafted by MLB’s Texas Rangers?

It’s been an interesting offseason for new Michigan football quarterback Shea Patterson. It’s been capped off with a draft selection by the Texas Rangers.

Some would call what the Texas Rangers did on Wednesday evening wasting a draft pick. What did they do? The MLB’s Rangers used their 39th round pick, No. 1,169 overall, on Michigan gunslinger Shea Patterson, an apparent third baseman.

Didn’t know Patterson was a dual-sport athlete? Neither did the rest of us. Actually, he’s not. He hasn’t played organized baseball since his junior year in high school, but the Rangers are no stranger to drafting talented collegiate quarterbacks — Russell Wilson is a good example.

Should Michigan fans be worried about Patterson leaving Michigan for minor league ball? Not at all. Since he hasn’t played since high school, there’s a reason he gave up the sport — he’s better at football and is one of the nation’s top 2019 NFL Draft prospects. Heck, some even have him as the No. 1 overall selection in next year’s cycle. There’s no way he’d pass that up for a 39th-round selection in the MLB draft.

Patterson was likely just as shocked as the rest of college football fans when his name popped up on the MLB draft tracker.

So why did the Rangers spend a draft pick on Patterson? Honestly, this could be nothing more than a publicity stunt. I’m not saying the Rangers are desperate for media attention by any means, but they could be doing this to stir the pot and maybe gauge Patterson’s baseball interest — they also probably see potential for him as a third baseman down the line.

Next: Way-too-early 2019 NFL Mock Draft

For now, we can all rest easy knowing that Patterson will remain in the college ranks, barring a miracle decision, and we can see what a healthy Shea looks like on the gridiron for the Wolverines.