Newest mock drafts have decided the Patriots need to draft one player

The latest bunch of mock drafts proves who the best player for the Patriots to draft is just as confusing for the experts as it is for the fans. Besides the overwhelming notion that they must select a quarterback with the third overall pick, some mock drafters disagree. Or if they do, they don't agree on who that quarterback should be.

There is a lot left to be answered surrounding the current Patriots team, from who will be named the general manager and offensive coordinator to who will they sign/re-sign in free agency. A lot of that will dictate the direction they go in round one.

After that, the NFL Combine will dramatically alter the current rookie rankings, meaning who may be available for the Patriots right now may not be by April.

Given where we are right now, it's fascinating to see how the players favored to land in New England change almost weekly. However, the importance of addressing one position early seems to be sticking the most in these mock drafts.

Pro Football Network: Jayden Daniels

Ian Cummings wrote:

"The Patriots don’t just need a QB. In the AFC, they need an elite talent at QB. Jayden Daniels can be that player. He’s an extremely rare creator with his speed, explosiveness, escapability, and improvisational feel. And beyond his running ability, he’s a pinpoint deep passer with incredible touch, accuracy, and spatial reasoning skills."

NFL.com: Jayden Daniels

Daniel Jeremiah wrote:

"While Marvin Harrison Jr. would be tempting here, the Patriots need to address the quarterback position first and foremost. Daniels is coming off a monster year as a dual-threat weapon."

NBC Sports Chicago: Caleb Williams

Glynn Morgan wrote:

"It’s possible Chicago Bears general manager, Ryan Poles, passes on another highly rated quarterback, trading down to acquire more draft capital and talented prospects.

The Bears could move the first overall pick to the Patriots for a significant haul. Chicago would then acquire New England’s third pick in the first round; 68th pick (3rd); 139th pick (4th); plus 2025’s first and second round picks, too.

Currently, New England possesses approximately 68 million in cap space and might surmise they could acquire enough free agents to make up for the loss in draft picks. Plus, with an experienced team supporting a rookie quarterback, the goal of reaching the playoffs may seem realistic."

CBS Sports: Jayden Daniels

Josh Edwards wrote:

"Some may question whether this is too early for Jayden Daniels. It only takes one team to have confidence in his abilities, and if one team has a conviction about a player at the game's most important position, then it is justified. In this situation, the Patriots take Daniels No. 3 overall to replace former first-round pick Mac Jones."

Fantasy Pros: Drake Maye

"Certainly the Bears or Commanders could select Drake Maye but in this scenario, he falls to the Patriots. There’s much to be desired with Maye and it starts with the fact that he’s listed at 6-foot-4 and 230 pounds.

With no concerns in his size, Maye displays great arm strength and is able to fit passes into tight windows consistently. Additionally, he can operate off-platform and has shown he can withstand contact consistently as a runner with over 1200 rushing yards and 16 rushing touchdowns in his career. Maye and Jerod Mayo could be an interesting and fun QB/HC pairing in New England."

The Draft Network: Jayden Daniels

Brentley Weissman wrote:

"I have long been a fan of Jayden Daniels since his time at Arizona State, but even I was shocked at his improvement this year at LSU. While one must factor in the talent he was playing with, it is clear that Daniels has an NFL skill set and his playmaking ability both as a runner and passer will be very attractive. Daniels will give a much-needed boost of life to the Patriots franchise."

NFL. com: Jayden Daniels

Bucky Brooks wrote:

"If new head coach Jerod Mayo is serious about upgrading the most important position on the team, he cannot afford to bypass the Heisman Trophy winner at pick No. 3 in this exercise. The spectacular dual-threat playmaker would add some sizzle to an offense that lacked explosiveness under Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe."

The Athletic: Marvin Harrison Jr.

Dane Brugler wrote:

"With Bill Belichick no longer with the organization, there is a level of unknown here, especially considering New England needs help in so many areas. Despite questions about who will throw him the ball, though, drafting a legitimate No. 1 target is the wise move."

The 33rd Team: Jayden Daniels

Connor Livesay wrote:

"With new coach Jerod Mayo in place, finding a new quarterback for the New England Patriots is the next order of business.

Jayden Daniels had a remarkable season at LSU on his way to winning the Heisman Trophy. Despite limited production before this year, Daniels showed the ability to win with his arm and legs, placing himself in the top-five discussion."