NFL Mock Draft Roundup: Patriots' decision at pick No. 3 is nearly unanimous
NFL Draft media doesn't have the Patriots straying away from the plan with the third overall pick.
By Tommy Jaggi
New head coach Jerod Mayo can try to be as subtle as he wants, but we all know the New England Patriots will be heavily eyeing the top quarterback prospects in the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft. Coming off a 4-13 season in 2023, there's no question that Mayo's squad has plenty of holes to fill, so we can't rule out any position this early in the process.
But don't tell that to the NFL Draft media. If it was up to them, you could almost lock in New England's selection with the 3rd overall pick right now. Neither Mac Jones nor Bailey Zappe was cutting it for the Patriots in 2023, and this team doesn't find themselves in a situation like this often where they can snatch up one of the best quarterback prospects in a loaded QB class.
We still have three months until the 2024 NFL Draft, but fans are anxiously awaiting a potential future-altering move that could get this team back on track. The latest Patriots mock draft roundup has a very specific theme, and it comes in the form of the current Heisman Trophy winner.
Patriots mock draft roundup: Jayden Daniels is the easy choice
Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN: Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
Let's get the oddball out of the way. In his first mock draft of 2024, prominent NFL Draft expert, Mel Kiper Jr., has the New England Patriots going with North Carolina quarterback, Drake Maye. In many mocks, Maye has gone one pick before the Washington Commanders, but that is subject to change as we move throughout the pre-draft process. Maye is a big quarterback with a live arm, and some would argue that he possesses the best blend of traits of the quarterbacks in the 2024 class.
Bucky Brooks, NFL.com: Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
Let the run on 'Jayden Daniel to the Patriots' begin! With only two teams selecting ahead of New England in the 2024 NFL Draft, we should be able to narrow down their selection during the pre-draft process. The way things are shaping up right now, it looks like USC QB Caleb Williams will go No. 1 followed by Drake Maye and Jayden Daniels. Bucky Brooks has the Patriots going with the Heisman-winning quarterback.
Luke Easterling, Sports Illustrated: Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
Luke Easterling of Sports Illustrated also pegs Jayden Daniels to the Patriots in his latest 2024 NFL mock draft. Daniels is coming off a remarkable season and has a brilliant combination of traits that compare favorably to Lamar Jackson (who is about to win his second NFL MVP award).
Chris Trapasso, CBS Sports: Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
CBS Sports doesn't believe that the QB-needy Pats will stray from the game plan. After struggling through the performances of Bailey Zappe and Mac Jones, Chris Trapasso has New England going with LSU star, Jayden Daniels as well.
Joe Broback, Pro Football Network: Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
To round off this Patriots mock draft roundup, Pro Football Network would agree with the rest of the draft media. Daniels is currently the most frequently mocked player to the Patriots with the 3rd overall pick in the draft. This pick just makes too much sense.
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