The New England Patriots have a good problem on their hands with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft. There are no surefire ways to go when deciding what to do with a pick that could impact their franchise for years to come.
They could stand pat and take one of the top-three quarterbacks on the board, which includes Caleb Williams, Drake Maye and Jayden Daniels. The team could also use the No. 3 pick and other draft assets to move up to No. 1 overall, assuming the Chicago Bears would be willing to trade back.
And then there’s the least loved, but perhaps more effective, strategy of trading down and accumulating more picks and players to facilitate a rebuild.
The Patriots aren’t going to suddenly morph back into perennial playoff contenders overnight. It’s clearly going to take more than one year for the team to fix the myriad of personnel issues on the roster.
Today, we’re exploring four trade packages from four possible suitors that could be offered to the Patriots for the No. 3 overall draft pick.
1
Atlanta Falcons trade package
Patriots get: 2024 first-round pick, 2024 second-round pick and 2025 first-round pick
Falcons get: No. 3 overall pick
The Falcons have the right pieces around the quarterback, but they don’t have the right quarterback with Desmond Ridder. Perhaps Ridder could find better results elsewhere, but it’s clear Atlanta needs to move in a different direction.
They could hit the reset button by unloading a bunch of draft assets to move up and select whoever is left at No. 3. Caleb Williams, Drake Maye or Jayden Daniels would all be viewed as a considerable upgrade from their current situation.
They already went out and hired a new coach in Raheem Morris. Why not pair the coach with the right quarterback to finally get the offense back on track?
2
Minnesota Vikings trade package
Patriots get: WR Justin Jefferson, 2024 first-round pick, 2025 first-round pick
Vikings get: No. 3 overall pick
This trade package was initially suggested on Monday’s episode of FS1’s “The Herd” by Colin Cowherd.
“What does New England desperately need? A playmaker,” Cowherd said, as transcribed by NBC Sports Boston. “I’ll give you next year’s (first-round pick) and Justin Jefferson to go from 11 to 3, because they’ve already got Jordan Addison, they’ve got the tight end (T.J. Hockenson) they like. They’ve got skill players. Next year’s one and Justin Jefferson to move up to the number three spot to get your quarterback.”
This move would ensure the Patriots get the best receiver in the NFL, along with acquiring another first-round draft pick in 2025. Jefferson is only 24 years old, too. So it would clearly be a worthy investment, even if the Patriots have to make him the highest-paid receiver to keep him (which is the likely scenario).
Keep in mind, the Patriots are also within reach to just take Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. with the No. 3 pick as well. Harrison has a ridiculously high ceiling, but is it as high as Jefferson’s?
3
Las Vegas Raiders trade package
Patriots get: WR Jakobi Meyers, 2024 first-round pick, 2024 second-round pick, 2025 first-round pick
Raiders get: No. 3 overall pick
The Patriots have seen enough from JuJu Smith-Schuster to know they blew it in letting Jakobi Meyers leave in free agency last year. This proposed trade offer rectifies that mistake, while also netting a bevy of draft picks to help in the rebuild.
The Raiders still have one of the best receivers in the league with Davante Adams, but they are in desperate need of a quarterback to get the most out of him and the offense. Granted, they could roll the dice on Michael Penix, Bo Nix, J.J. McCarthy or even Spencer Rattler, but that might not be a good decision when playing in the same division as Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs.
Las Vegas needs a legitimate game-changer, and they’ll have a better chance of finding that player at No. 3 than No. 13.
4
Denver Broncos trade package
Patriots get: CB Patrick Surtain II, 2024 first-round pick, 2025 first-round pick
Broncos get: No. 3 overall pick
The Broncos reportedly might be willing to trade Pro Bowl cornerback Patrick Surtain II to move up the draft board for a quarterback. If they aren’t able to swing a draft day deal with the Chicago Bears, they could potentially turn to the Patriots, who are in position to select one of the top-three quarterbacks.
Who says no to Surtain?
Yes, the offense clearly needs help, but let’s not lose sight of the fact that defense is the Patriots’ calling card. The mere thought of the Patriots fielding Surtain and Christian Gonzalez on the field together would send every quarterback in the league into cold sweats.
The Patriots could use the Broncos’ first-round pick on a receiver or offensive tackle, while improving significantly on defense and adding another premium draft pick to their collection.
