The fallout from the New England Patriots’ 26-23 win over the Denver Broncos is the team losing its spot to select the No. 2 pick of the 2024 NFL draft.
Not only have they fallen out of No. 2, but they have fallen out of the top-three entirely.
If the season ended today, the Patriots would have the No. 4 pick of the draft, behind the Chicago Bears, Arizona Cardinals and Washington Commanders. It isn’t a great position to be in with the Bears and Commanders both possibly eyeing one of the top quarterbacks in the draft.
Granted, there’s still a debate to be had about whether the Bears should stick with Justin Fields or move in a different direction. The Cardinals are also likely to target Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. So there’s a chance the Patriots could still end up with one of the projected top-three picks.
Caleb Williams is still being touted as the No. 1 prospect, while things have seemingly tightened between Drake Maye and Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels.
The Patriots head on the road to face the Buffalo Bills in Week 17, and then they’ll close out the season at home against the New York Jets. Winning both games could be devastating to their draft position. Even one win could severely hurt their chances of getting the quarterback they want.
Suddenly, the meaningless games don’t seem so meaningless for New England.