2024 NFL mock draft roundup: The latest Patriots predictions originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston a week later
The first round of the 2024 NFL Draft is just eight days away. It’s time for teams to build their final pre-draft rankings and decide which players (and potential trades) make the most sense for them.
The New England Patriots are one of the most fascinating teams in this draft. They are the number three seed in the rankings – their highest first-place finish since 1993 – and are in desperate need of a quarterback. There’s been a lot of JJ McCarthy hype lately, and some experts (see the mock results below) still expect the Michigan quarterback to land in Round 1 with New England.
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But the easiest — and potentially smartest — decision the Patriots can make is to draft LSU’s Jayden Daniels or UNC’s Drake Maye, whichever quarterback isn’t picked by the Washington Commanders at No. 2.
That’s how NFL Network’s Peter Schrager sees the Patriots pick. He released his first 2024 NFL draft on Tuesday. Here’s his analysis of the Patriots’ pick (Maye):
“Despite all the smoke New England could bring down, I believe this new Patriots regime will be comfortable with Jayden Daniels or Maye,” Schrager wrote.
“Pats Brass took Maye out for steaks the night before his visit to Foxborough earlier this month, and those guys loved the Charlotte native. Also loved their top 30 visit with Daniels. I think they’re fine with whatever happens to them. New England also dined and dined with QB JJ McCarthy on Monday night, but I still see this selection as Daniels or Maye.
Franchise quarterbacks are usually found in the first round. The Patriots haven’t had many top 10 picks over the last thirty years, and they’re fortunate to have one of those selections in a year where the quarterback class is considered quite strong.
This opportunity is too good for the Patriots to pass up. Of course, this roster also has other glaring weaknesses that need upgrading, such as wide receiver and offensive tackle. But this draft class is pretty deep at these two positions, so the Patriots could take Maye or Daniels at No. 3 and still get a good wide receiver and tackle on Day 2 of the draft.
Here’s a look at expert predictions for the Patriots from recent mock drafts.
Peter Schrager, NFL Network: Drake Maye, QB, UNC
Dane Brugler, The Athletic: Drake Maye, QB, UNC
Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN: Drake Maye, QB, UNC
Doug Kyed, Boston Herald: Drake Maye, QB, UNC
Will Brinson, CBS Sports: JJ McCarthy, QB, Michigan
NFC South Area Scout, ESPN: Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
Marcus Mosher, the 33rd team: Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn State at No. 11; Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU at No. 23 (fake trade with Patriots sending No. 3 pick to Vikings for Nos. 11 and 23, plus a 2025 first-round pick)
Vinnie Iyer, sports news: Drake Maye, QB, UNC
Tankathon: Drake Maye, QB, UNC
