Just when it appeared the New England Patriots were a sure bet to roll with either Drake Maye or Jayden Daniels at quarterback for the No. 3 overall pick in the NFL Draft, Baker Mayfield has entered the picture.
Draft Insider Details New Patriots Scenario Involving Baker Mayfield
NFL Network Draft expert and insider Daniel Jeremiah dropped a bombshell during Saturday’s coverage of the NFL Combine in Indianapolis.
It involves a franchise-altering decision for the Pats as they decide who handles the QB1 reins moving forward.
“We’ve all assumed that Baker just goes right back to Tampa. I had somebody say, ‘Don’t sleep on the New England Patriots,'” Jeremiah stated.
Jeremiah didn’t reveal who he spoke to, but in a building filled with executives and coaches, one can theorize it was either a general manager, director of player personnel, scout, or head coach at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Still, Jeremiah’s words must be taken seriously by those following the draft or anyone keeping up with what the Pats do with the third overall pick. Speaking of which, Jeremiah dropped one more bomb.
“And if [they’re] in the Baker business, then the No. 3 pick is up for sale,” Jeremiah said.
How Mayfield Can Reset the No. 3 Pick and NFL Draft Collectively
Jeremiah’s words point to a possible trade at the top of the draft.
In this potential scenario, new Pats head coach Jerod Mayo and the New England front office won’t feel stressed about deciding between Maye or Daniels and can turn to a proven veteran behind center.
Mayfield is coming off his best season ever with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, racking up 4,044 yards and tossing 28 touchdowns, both new career highs for the 2018 first overall pick who has had a polarizing NFL career.
He’s rebranded himself as a Pro Bowl passer. But he hit those numbers on a one-year deal with the Bucs — hence how he’s PFN’s No. 2 ranked free agent QB for the 2024 class. Mayfield is walking into a free agency market where he’ll either re-sign with the Bucs or be in higher demand for teams looking for an upgrade under center.
Mayo, in his opening press conference for the Pats, sent out the early warning to the NFL that he plans on “opening the wallet” for his team. In other words, he’s open to making a run at big-name free agents. Now, Mayfield is the first to surface via Jeremiah’s words.
That could mean New England can consider trading down for more draft capital if Mayfield is signed. Or, if the Pats stay pat at the third pick, this can possibly give them more leverage in selecting wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. third overall. There have been numerous mock drafts that point to the talented and explosive Ohio State wide receiver landing in Foxborough.
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But by adding Mayfield, here’s another way this alters the NFL Draft: Either Maye or Daniels face dropping out of the top five picks. Following the Patriots, the New York Giants (No. 6) and Atlanta Falcons (No. 8) are considered the lone QB-needy teams picking inside the top 10 of the draft.
Overall, New England’s No. 3 pick bears watching between now and April 25, the draft’s first night.
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