1 player in every round the Patriots can draft to improve their offense in 2024
By Matt Sidney
The New England Patriots need a lot of help. Unfortunately, this team has holes in every skill position group, especially on the offensive side of the ball. The offensive line is in shambles. The wide receiver group leaves a lot to be desired. The tight end room is left barren with the losses of Hunter Henry and Mike Gesicki. Ezekiel Elliott has lost a step or four over the past couple of seasons, and Rhamondre Stevenson may not be as impactful as once thought.
The point is that there are many holes to fill, yet not many chances to fill them. The NFL draft offers a unique opportunity to find young, relatively cheap talent that will stay with the team for years to come. Unfortunately for the Patriots, recent NFL draft selections haven't necessarily provided much value to the team, mainly looking at those members who play on the offensive side of the ball.
Looking back at the past five Patriots' drafts, it's almost alarming to see the lack of talent this organization has brought in for the offense. Swings and misses on N'Keal Harry and Tyquan Thornton are the two most glaring, but aside from Sony Michel and Rhamondre Stevenson, where has the recently drafted talent made a difference on this team? I'll tell you where it is; it is nowhere to be found.
With that being said, the Patriots have seven picks in the upcoming 2024 NFL draft (one in each round). We are going to find them someone... anyone who can be somewhat of a threat on the offensive side of the ball so we aren't stuck watching hopelessly like last season.
Folks, without further rambling, here is one player for every round of the '24 NFL draft the Patriots can draft to bolster the weaponry for the offensive this upcoming season.
Round 1, Pick 3: WR Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State University
I mean, duh. Right? Former Biletnikoff award winners who are 6'4" and weigh 205 pounds with hall-of-fame fathers are typically hard to find. Fortunately, with the top two draft picks most likely quarterbacks, the Patriots luck their way into one of the best wide receiver prospects in NFL history.
Harrison Jr. is a great route runner with elite technique. He has the athletic ability and physical profile to be a WR1 on day one of his NFL journey. The Patriots are in dire need of a primary offensive talent like Harrison Jr. He can battle play both on the outside and in the slot, reinforcing his versatility as well.
With the third pick in the 2024 NFL draft, the Patriots should look to bolster the receiver corps with the best receiving prospect since Calvin Johnson. Harrison Jr. immediately becomes the primary weapon for a team devoid of weapons and has the potential to be the cornerstone of the passing attack for seasons to come.
The Patriots don't mind missing out on a quarterback here as they can secure a "once-in-a-lifetime" prospect at a position of need.