Monday morning offered another reminder that the New England Patriots will be far more media-friendly with Jerod Mayo as head coach than they were with Bill Belichick.
While speaking with reporters at the annual NFL Owners Meetings, Mayo was jarringly honest about the franchise’s past, present, and future. He talked about Mac Jones’ downfall, the current state of the roster, and the reality of a rebuild. Mayo also opened up on what the Patriots could do with the No. 3 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
What Will Patriots Do With the Third Pick in Draft?
Multiple reports indicate the Patriots plan to select a quarterback at No. 3. And, in an NFL Network interview on Sunday, Mayo confirmed New England would like to select a new franchise QB.
However, the first-year head coach also left the door open for a trade, and he’s confident in Jacoby Brissett’s ability to start.
“It’s (quarterback) the priority right now,” Mayo said. “But with that being said, you have to really be in love with the guy to take him at No. 3. So, really all the options are still open for us.
” … We’re not dead set at taking a quarterback at No. 3, but we do feel good having a guy like Jacoby (Brissett) ready to go.”
Mayo sang a similar tune during Monday’s media availability. However, you could argue he sounded even more open to trading down from No. 3.
“We sit at a very enviable spot at No. 3 where we can take someone at three, or, if someone offers a ‘bag,’ as we would say, a lot of first-round picks — we definitely have to talk about those things as we continue to put together this team,” Mayo said.
“We’re open to trading the pick, we’re open to taking a guy there.”
And then there’s this comment: “I know everyone likes to think they have the special formula to picking players. But, honestly, the guaranteed way to win is to accumulate more picks. And so, if we don’t feel convicted at No. 3 … we are willing to do that as well.”
Can you imagine Belichick saying that?
Jerod Mayo Gives Honest Assessment of Drake Maye
Multiple reports indicate the Washington Commanders will select LSU QB Jayden Daniels with the No. 2 pick. And with USC’s Caleb Williams a virtual like to go at No. 1, the Patriots could have their pick of UNC’s Drake Maye or Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy at No. 3.
Maye, arguably, is the more intriguing of the two. Once viewed as the clear No. 2 QB prospect in this year’s class, Maye ranks No. 1 on our latest QB prospect rankings.
But what does Mayo think about Maye, whom some believe won’t be ready to start right away?
“Drake Maye had a fantastic interview at the Combine,” Mayo said. “He brings a lot of energy. You could tell he has that leadership ability. And, also, the exciting part about a guy like Drake Maye is the ceiling — like, there really is no ceiling with a guy like that.”
Sounds like he’s sold, right? Well, not so fast.
“Now, in saying that, when we’re trying to put together this roster, I know a lot of people look at the ceiling,” Mayo said. “But you also gotta, kind of, see how low is the floor. How low is the floor? I would say, a guy like Drake Maye, he has a lot of room to grow. He’s a young guy, honestly, he hasn’t played football nearly as much as these other guys.
“So, that’s definitely something that we’ve looked at. But he’s definitely going to develop.”
Mayo, of course, didn’t offer any concrete takes on the Patriots’ draft plans. He understandably kept some things close to the vest.
But his willingness to talk about a potential trade, and the uncertainty surrounding a prospect like Maye, shouldn’t be taken lightly. With a month to go until the NFL Draft, all options truly are on the table for New England.
KEEP READING: Cases For/Against Patriots-Chargers Round 1 Swap
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!