We now have a clearer idea of what the New England Patriots could do with the third pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Rumors have swirled around the Patriots, with some indicating de facto general manager Eliot Wolf could trade the No. 3 pick. But a new report suggests New England will keep the pick — and use it wisely.
Patriots Reportedly Eyeing QB With No. 3 Pick
On Thursday, Jeff Howe of The Athletic published a wide-ranging report about the Patriots and their plans for revamping a middling roster. The report also touches on what the franchise could do with embattled quarterback Mac Jones, who’s coming off a miserable third season.
Here’s the key excerpt on the No. 3 pick:
“The Patriots really want to draft a quarterback with the No. 3 pick,” Howe wrote. “The front office wrapped up its pre-free-agency meetings a week ago and seems to be on the same page that the best way to jump-start this rebuild and yield long-term success is to find a young quarterback in the NFL Draft to build around.
“The Patriots’ decision-makers know there are a lot of holes on the roster beyond the quarterback position. They know there’s one roster-building sentiment that suggests they’d be wise to improve the rest of the team before dropping a rookie quarterback into it — that a rookie quarterback won’t be set up for success until the rest of the roster is better.
“But the Patriots look at it like this: If you get the rare chance to draft one of the top prospects at the game’s most valuable position, it’s worth taking a big swing even if the surrounding roster isn’t great. The quarterback position is simply too important to risk passing on one in hopes of maybe landing one a year or two later.”
There’s a strong sense around the NFL the Patriots are heavily leaning in the direction of drafting a QB with the No. 3 pick, per sources. https://t.co/fBmSHGMxXI
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) February 29, 2024
Howe added the Patriots likely won’t wait until the second round to draft a QB, as there’s “growing buzz” around the league that the top prospects will all be taken in the first round.
MORE: What One NFL Draft Expert Really Thinks Patriots Should Do With No. 3 Pick
As for targeting a signal-caller in free agency, Howe reported the Patriots have “explored” options but believe this year’s group carries too many questions about both salary and on-field performance.
Which QB Will New England Take at No. 3?
The consensus is that USC quarterback Caleb Williams will go first overall regardless of whether the Chicago Bears keep the top pick. But there’s some debate about whether UNC’s Drake Maye or LSU’s Jayden Daniels will go No. 2.
If it’s Daniels who’s available at No. 3, will the Patriots pull the trigger? Are they among the teams who believe he’s worthy of a top-three selection?
We know how Bill Belichick feels about Daniels, but how Wolf and head coach Jerod Mayo feel about the Heisman Trophy winner remains unclear.
“In talking to people around the organization, there’s a level of excitement,” NFL Media’s Bridget Condon said Wednesday. ” … Are they gonna take, potentially, a quarterback? I can tell you, based on conversations that I’ve had with people around the organization, Bill Belichick loved Jayden Daniels. He was a guy on the top of their draft board.
“He was gonna do everything in his power to try and get that guy. Does Jerod Mayo stick with that? … Or is he gonna say, ‘You know what, I’m now the new man in charge — I’m gonna do things my way.'”
I'm told Jayden Daniels is a guy Bill Belichick loved and was at the top of their draft board. Does Jerod Mayo love him too? #Patriots pic.twitter.com/vQrs8Ry2cI
— Bridget Condon (@BridgetCondon_) February 28, 2024
Howe offered a potential answer.
“According to several NFL executives unassociated with the Patriots, the top available quarterback prospects appear to align with top decision-maker Eliot Wolf’s preferred QB traits,” Howe wrote.
New England reportedly met with Williams on Wednesday and also plans to meet with Maye and Daniels while at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine. Howe noted the Patriots likely will grill Maye on why his stats dipped last season, and test Daniels on whether he can quickly grasp the complexity of New England’s offense.
However, at the end of the day, the expectation is the Patriots will use the third pick to select their next franchise QB.
“The preference appears to be taking a QB at No. 3,” Howe reiterated.
Mac Jones Likely Will Be Traded
Some believe Jones deserves another chance, and that New England should use the third pick on either receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. or tackle Joe Alt. Even if Jones doesn’t keep his old job, he could return as a high-level backup.
But a trade reportedly is the most likely outcome for the 2021 first-round pick.
“A trade is seen around the league as a mutually beneficial move,” Howe wrote.
KEEP READING: New England Patriots Free Agency Predictions 2024
Additionally, Howe noted the Patriots believe Jones could benefit from a fresh start elsewhere, leaving behind the “scar tissue” he developed in New England. The Patriots also prefer to acquire a veteran backup who will be eager to help a rookie QB.
One way or another, all signs point toward the Patriots entering a new era at quarterback in 2024.
Miss football? The 2024 NFL Draft is almost here, boss. Pro Football Network has you covered with everything from team draft needs to the Top 100 prospects available. Plus, fire up PFN’s Mock Draft Simulator to put yourself in the general manager’s seat and make all the calls!