The New England Patriots could go a multitude of different ways with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft.
Depending on how the draft board unfolds, they could take one of the top-three quarterbacks—Caleb Williams, Drake Maye or Jayden Daniels. They could also finally address the wide receiver position by taking Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison Jr.
Another option would be trading down to accumulate more draft picks to fill multiple holes on the roster, particularly at receiver and offensive tackle. The Patriots also have the option of trading up and ensuring they get the best pick possible in the entire draft.
All of those options make New England one of the more unpredictable teams heading into April. What will they do with the No. 3 pick of the draft?
Here’s a roundup of the latest 2024 NFL mock drafts:
NFL.com
NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah has the Patriots refusing to blink at quarterback, even after Caleb Williams and Drake Maye are taken at No. 1 and No. 2 on the draft 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.
Draft Network
The Draft Network’s Ryan Fowler has the Chicago Bears taking Marvin Harrison Jr. at No. 1 overall, which allows one of the top-two quarterbacks to fall to the Patriots.
Round 1, Pick No. 3: QB Drake Maye, North Carolina
It’s a full-blown restart in New England with Bill Belichick out. Crazy, right? Talent lacks in a multitude of spots for the Patriots and the only way to compete in the AFC East moving forward is to restart with fresh legs under center. Drake Maye not only looks the part at 6-foot-4 but has the skill set that should translate quickly to the NFL game. More talent is needed on the perimeter, however, if the Patriots want to provide themselves a clean window into Maye’s evaluation early in his career.
CBS Sports
CBS Sports’ Josh Edwards has the Patriots sticking with quarterback at No. 3 overall, even after missing on both Caleb Williams and Drake Maye.
Round 1, Pick No. 3: QB Jayden Daniels, LSU
Some may question whether this is too early for Jayden Daniels. It only takes one team to have confidence in his abilities, and if one team has a conviction about a player at the game’s most important position, then it is justified. In this situation, the Patriots take Daniels No. 3 overall to replace former first-round pick Mac Jones.
College Sports Wire
College Sports Wire has the Patriots coming away with one of the top-two quarterbacks in the 2024 NFL draft.
Round 1, Pick No. 3: QB Drake Maye, North Carolina
College Sports Wire’s Ryan Haley wrote:
The Patriots tried to initiate the post-Brady era with Mac Jones, and it didn’t work out. Now, they’re in the lottery, and they’ll be rewarded with an aggressive, accurate passer who doesn’t mind lowering his shoulder on a scramble.
The Athletic
The Athletic’s Dane Brugler has the Patriots resisting the urge to take a quarterback at No. 3 overall and going after the top wide receiver prospect in the draft.
Round 1, Pick No. 3: WR Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State
The Patriots were cruising to the No. 2 pick until two wins in their final five games dropped them to No. 3. While that likely takes them out of contention for Williams or Maye, the Patriots still have several favorable options.
With Bill Belichick no longer with the organization, there is a level of unknown here, especially considering New England needs help in so many areas. Despite questions about who will throw him the ball, though, drafting a legitimate No. 1 target is the wise move.
Pro Football Network
Pro Football Network’s Joe Broback has the Patriots prioritizing a quarterback by selecting a Heisman Trophy winner.
Round 1, Pick No. 3: QB Jayden Daniels, LSU
New England’s in a tough spot here. With two obvious players at the top of the position, they might have to trade up if they want to get their guy. If they’re happy waiting for QB3, then they can stay put.
Jayden Daniels took as big of a leap for a player in his final season of college that we’ve ever seen. His development as a passer made him a Heisman winner, and now it makes him an intriguing prospect at the next level. The Patriots must find new leadership, and with it should come a new franchise quarterback.
33rd Team
The 33rd Team’s Connor Livesay has the Atlanta Falcons swinging a trade with the Patriots for the No. 3 overall pick. With the trade, the Patriots move back to No. 8 overall on the draft board, while also accumulating the No. 43 pick in the second round and a 2025 first-round draft pick.
Round 1, Pick No. 8: WR Rome Odunze, Washington
Moving back five spots and adding an impact receiver is excellent value for the New England Patriots.
The Patriots have a big question at quarterback, but improving the roster for new coach Jerod Mayo should be a priority instead of reaching for another quarterback because they have so many holes throughout the roster.
Sporting News
The Sporting News’ Vinnie Iyer has the Patriots catching a huge break with the Chicago Bears taking Marvin Harrison Jr. at No. 1 overall, which paved the way for a highly-touted quarterback to fall.
Round 1, Pick No. 3: QB Drake Maye, North Carolina
The Patriots have already waved the white flag on Mac Jones, who didn’t work 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 Sam Howell, his Tar Heels predecessor.
Sports Illustrated
Sports Illustrated’s Luke Easterling has the Patriots addressing one of their greatest positions of need by selecting one of the best wide receiver prospects in years.
Round 1, Pick No. 3: WR Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State
Yes, the Patriots desperately need a franchise quarterback. But do you want the third-best quarterback in this draft, or do you want the best prospect in the entire class, regardless of position? New England needs a true No. 1 receiver, too, and Harrison has Hall of Fame potential.
Patriots Wire’s Jordy McElroy has the Patriots trading up to No. 1 overall to ensure they come away with the projected top pick in the draft.
Round 1, Pick No. 1: QB Caleb Williams, USC
There’s a reason why Caleb Williams’ name continues to pop up at the top of nearly every mock draft board. He has rare arm talent that allows him to make some of the most ridiculous throws you’ll ever see on tape.
You always want to be careful when throwing elite quarterbacks out there as comparisons because Williams is still unproven at the NFL level. But some of the throws he was able to make in college were Patrick Mahomes-like. Does that mean he’s a lock to be the next Mahomes in the NFL?
No. But he has an exceptionally high ceiling that gives him the best chance out of all of the quarterbacks in the draft of one day being considered elite at the next level.
