Final Patriots 7-Round Mock Draft: Building for the future the right way
The 2024 NFL Draft is finally here and in just a few hours, we will definitively know what the Patriots will do with their third overall pick.
Will they stick with it and pick a quarterback for the future? Will they trade back and receive an incredible number of picks and maybe players in return? We don't have to wait much longer to find out.
But tonight is just the beginning. Sure, what they do with their first-rounder is critical, but how they address the other roster holes through the draft is just as important.
The offense will likely be the priority, as it should, and there is plenty of talent to choose from to boost the team ahead of the upcoming season. From left tackle and receiver to tight end, all need to be addressed throughout the weekend.
Until then, here's a final 7-round mock draft with a realistic flair before Round 1 begins at 8 p.m. ET.
Final 7-round mock draft before Round 1: Patriots build for the future
Round 1, pick No. 3: Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
The best case scenario with their first round pick has been unanimously decided to be to take a quarterback, and who better than Drake Maye?
Because the Bears and Commanders are expected to pick the position ahead of the Patriots, they won't be in full control of selecting the quarterback they might really want. But all rumors have stated Maye is one of their top-2 players, and in this mock, he was available with pick No. 3.
The UNC alum would be the instant kickstart to the rebuild happening under new head coach Jerod Mayo, providing some security to the offense that they found their guy for the future.
He put together an impressive resume during his college career, recording back-to-back seasons of double-digit touchdowns, under ten interceptions, and an over 63% completion rate. As if that wasn't impressive enough, Maye has become known for having a rocket arm. He gets the ball out fast and can throw it deep, either down the sideline or the middle of the field, creating unlimited possibilities for the Patriots developing offense.