First-round big board for the Patriots' 2024 NFL Draft

Because they didn't fare so well during the 2023 season for many reasons, Patriots fans have been focused on the 2024 draft for quite a bit longer than most other teams around the league. A lot has been made about what they will do with the third overall pick, with most assuming they will try to snag their next franchise quarterback.

However, there are many scenarios where that may not be the route they take.

Because they hold a coveted selection, one they haven't had in over 30 years, they will have all but two players to choose from. This opens the door to possibilities to address several of the roster holes right away, primarily on offense, and that may be their best decision if they're not 100% on board with the quarterbacks available by the time they're on the clock.

Besides finding a replacement for Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe, Jerod Mayo and Co. need to add some talent to their receiving corps and tight end room.

Fortunately, free agency starts over a month before the draft, so they'll have time to (hopefully) bring in some legit veterans to lessen the need to throw rookies into the mix. But they'll still need to address both positions in the draft, and they can do that this year in the first round.

New England also needs to prioritize improving the offensive line, especially since Trent Brown and Mike Onwenu are set to become free agents in just a few weeks. If they can't work out new contracts for them, they'll need to select some of the highest-ranked players at tackle, which works out well for them with a reportedly deep class.

Adding another pass-rushing threat alongside Matthew Judon should also be a priority on the defensive side of the ball. Keion White will be entering his second season in 2024, but there's no harm in drafting another guy to potentially put in as a rookie, even more so if White doesn't elevate his game enough to become a factor on game day.

The Patriots have quite a long big board for the first round

Although quarterback is becoming the position most have decided New England has to take with the third pick, they have other significant needs they could address at that spot, too, or even if they choose to trade back.

This is the current list of players that are likely on their big board for the first round, and more will be added (or removed) based on the results of the NFL Combine.

Quarterbacks

Jayden Daniels
Drake Maye
J.J. McCarthy
Bo Nix
Michael Penix Jr.
Caleb Williams

Wide receivers

Marvin Harrison Jr.
Ladd McConkey
Adonai Mitchell
Malik Nabers
Rome Odunze
Brian Thomas Jr.

Offensive line

Joe Alt
Olumuyiwa Fashanu
Troy Fautanu
Taliese Fuaga
JC Latham
Amarius Mims

Tight ends

Brock Bowers

Cornerbacks

Terrion Arnold
Kool-Aid McKinstry
Quinyon Mitchell
Nate Wiggins

EDGE

Laiatu Latu
Dallas Turner
Jared Verse

*NOTE* This list will be updated as rankings change due to the results of the combine, etc.