10 quarterbacks who could be Patriots' starter in 2024

5. Drake Maye

If it's not Williams, the Patriots could look to draft North Carolina's Drake Maye. Let's say New England ends up with a pick between no. 3 and no. 5. Maye is well in play, there. The North Carolina product is the clear-cut, second-best quarterback in this class and could be a Day 1 starter for the Patriots. He's a big upgrade over Jones or Zappe, even without playing a down.

Maye stands 6-foot-4 and weighs around 230 pounds, giving him ideal build for the position. He's a strong and mobile athlete who can make plays with his legs when necessary, but is absolutely a pass-first guy. He has a quick and beautiful release, and plenty of power to get the ball down field in a hurry. Maye is viewed as close to a sure thing as there is aside from Williams.

6. Kirk Cousins

This is a move the Patriots only make if they feel good enough to compete, but we have to talk about it. Kirk Cousins is a high-level quarterback, despite some of the knocks he has gotten over the years. This guy has thrown for 4,000 yards in seven separate seasons over his career, and he's far from done. If the Vikings decide to move on and go elsewhere, Cousins will get paid on a new team.

Should the Patriots make the correct investments at key positions, Cousins could be one who brings them back into the AFC playoff picture. He's a beloved leader in the locker room, too, which never hurts.