The New England Patriots are fortunate to have the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft. With one move, they can completely change the trajectory of their franchise.
However, being in that position also comes with a lot of pressure. Picking wrong would be considered one of the greatest blunders in franchise history, and it could set the team back for years to come.
Should the Patriots get a quarterback, or would they be better off building up the offense as a whole before handing the reins over to another rookie signal-caller?
The common consensus amongst 2024 NFL mock drafts this week was the Patriots addressing the most important position on the football field. There have been enough missteps with Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe to see that a reboot is desperately needed in New England.
Here’s a roundup of the latest mock drafts:
ESPN
ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. has an early draft surprise with Jayden Daniels going No. 2 overall to the Washington Commanders and Drake Maye falling to the Patriots at No. 3.
Round 1, Pick No. 3: QB Drake Maye, North Carolina
Maye had some ups and downs in 2023, but he’s an outstanding deep-ball thrower in a 6-foot-4 frame. He takes care of the football and has some dual-threat ability. There’s a ton to like in his potential. And while the Bears might struggle with the decision to move on from their first-round quarterback picked in the 2021 draft, the Patriots shouldn’t agonize much. Mac Jones has regressed enough to make that an easy call this offseason. Quarterback is by far New England’s biggest need.
NFL.com
NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah has the Patriots taking the last of the top-three quarterbacks left on the board.
Round 1, Pick No. 3: QB Jayden Daniels, LSU
While Marvin Harrison Jr. would be tempting here, the Patriots need to address the quarterback position first and foremost. Daniels is coming off a monster year as a dual-threat weapon.
CBS Sports
CBS Sports’ Chris Trapasso has the Patriots turning the page on Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe for a dual-threat quarterback.
Round 1, Pick No. 3: QB Jayden Daniels, LSU
The Patriots turn to a new chapter at quarterback with the creative, athletic, deep-ball specialist who just won the Heisman out of the SEC. I know quarterback-quarterback-quarterback doesn’t happen often at the start of a draft, but these are all quarterback-needy clubs and these are high-caliber prospects.
NFL.com
NFL.com’s Bucky Brooks has the Patriots getting a new quarterback to go with their new head coach.
Round 1, Pick No. 3: QB Jayden Daniels, LSU
If new head coach Jerod Mayo is serious about upgrading the most important position on the team, he cannot afford to bypass the Heisman Trophy winner at pick No. 3 in this exercise. The spectacular dual-threat playmaker would add some sizzle to an offense that lacked explosiveness under Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe.
CBS Sports
CBS Sports’ Josh Edwards has the Patriots selecting a quarterback with one of the highest ceilings in the draft.
Round 1, Pick No. 3: QB Jayden Daniels, LSU
New England scoops up Drake Maye after quarterbacks are taken with the first two selections. The Patriots are starting semi-fresh with Jerod Mayo replacing Bill Belichick. I can not imagine Mayo is excited about beginning his term as head coach with Mac Jones as his quarterback.
Draft Network
The Draft Network’s Brentley Weissman has the Patriots taking the Heisman Trophy winner at No. 3 overall.
Round 1, Pick No. 3: QB Jayden Daniels, LSU
I have long been a fan of Jayden Daniels since his time at Arizona State, but even I was shocked at his improvement this year at LSU. While one must factor in the talent he was playing with, it is clear that Daniels has an NFL skill set and his playmaking ability both as a runner and passer will be very attractive. Daniels will give a much-needed boost of life to the Patriots franchise.
33rd Team
The 33rd Team’s Connor Livesay has the Patriots taking the best player in all of college football last season.
Round 1, Pick No. 3: QB Jayden Daniels, LSU
With new coach Jerod Mayo in place, finding a new quarterback for the New England Patriots is the next order of business.
Jayden Daniels had a remarkable season at LSU on his way to winning the Heisman Trophy. Despite limited production before this year, Daniels showed the ability to win with his arm and legs, placing himself in the top-five discussion.
Sporting News
Sporting News’ Vinnie Iyer has the Patriots landing a big-bodied, strong-armed quarterback under center to help get their offense back on track.
Round 1, Pick No. 3: QB Drake Maye, North Carolina
The Patriots have already waved the white flag on Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe, neither of whom worked out at all as a pocket passer. Here they can go for the much bigger arm and athletic upside of Maye, who is a better version of Howell, his Tar Heels predecessor.
Sports Illustrated
Sports Illustrated’s Luke Easterling has the Patriots taking a dual-playmaking quarterback as its next franchise face.
Round 1, Pick No. 3: QB Jayden Daniels, LSU
The dilemma for the Pats is this: Are they better off taking the third-best quarterback in the draft, or the best overall player? While Marvin Harrison Jr. would also fill another massive need, nothing matters if you don’t have a quarterback, and Daniels has all the traits to be a true dual-threat superstar.
FOX Sports
FOX Sports’ Rob Rang has the Patriots passing on a quarterback and adding much-needed help at the wide receiver position.
Round 1, Pick No. 3: WR Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State
The expedient promotion of Jerod Mayo as Bill Belichick’s replacement as head coach suggests that the Patriot Way is alive and well. With the top two quarterbacks off the board, the Pats should nab Harrison here, providing an immediate boost to one of the league’s most anemic passing games.
Pro Football Network
Pro Football Network’s Joe Broback has the Patriots getting their new quarterback of the future to build around.
Round 1, Pick No. 3: QB Jayden Daniels, LSU
The offense needs a boost, so Mayo’s hands might be tied here. Daniels brings a lot of excitement to the Patriots, something they didn’t have with Mac Jones or Bailey Zappe consistently.
Don’t be surprised if Mayo wants to move up, either. It’s his first year, so getting the right guy from the start might be worth it.
Patriots Wire
Patriots Wire’s Cam Garrity has the Patriots snagging the best skilled position player in the entire draft.
Round 1, Pick No. 3: WR Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State
Harrison Jr. would immediately become the team’s best receiver and start the rebuild process. Even though Jayden Daniels and Michael Penix Jr. are on the board, the entire roster as a whole needs help, and the Patriots haven’t had an offensive weapon of this caliber in quite some time.
A changing of the guard for sure, Harrison Jr. gives the offense a coverage dictator to begin the new-look offensive scheme.
