NFL Mock Draft Roundup: There's a new theme at quarterback for the Patriots

There's a new regime in town, and the New England Patriots have work to do repairing their roster ahead of the 2024 season. So far, they aren't off to the best start.

The Patriots saw a number of players depart in free agency, and they didn't add many signings outside of the organization that will move the needle in 2024. The front office seemed to be content sitting on their hands with the most salary cap space in the NFL after the rush of free agency.

Rome wasn't built in a day, and de facto GM Eliot Wolf knows this will be a process. All the while, the Patriots have been expected to take a quarterback with the third overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, but the new name on their radar is sure to divide fans. Here's the latest Patriots mock draft roundup.

Patriots mock draft roundup: New England could overthink their decision

Lance Zierlein, NFL.com: Malik Nabers, WR, LSU (TRADE)

Let's start things off with a bang. NFL.com's Lance Zierlein got creative with his mock, as he has the Patriots trading back and taking Malik Nabers -- one of the best overall prospects in the draft. If this happens, it could mean that New England is comfortable with Jacoby Brissett slinging the football in 2024.

Pete Prisco, CBS Sports: J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan

In steps the name that Patriots fans didn't want to see. J.J. McCarthy is picking up steam in connection with New England, and some believe that he could be the Pats' third overall pick. McCarthy had a terrific track record during his time at Michigan, but with one of Jayden Daniels or Drake Maye on the board at this point, this seems like the Patriots outhinking themselves.

Tony Pauline, Sportskeeda: J.J. McCarthy, QB Michigan

Pete Prisco isn't the only draft analyst who has McCarthy slotted to the Patriots with the third overall pick. Tony Pauline is also jumping aboard this train. McCarthy has the intangibles that every team wants, but he wasn't asked to do nearly as much in college as players like Maye and Daniels. The upside is there, but for a bottom-dwelling team like the Patriots, they could use a player who is used to carrying the team on his shoulders.

Ryan Wilson, CBS Sports: Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina

Drake Maye is beginning to look like a possible 'best-case scenario' pick for New England in Round 1. Maye has the size, arm talent, youth, and upside to be a Justin Herbert-like quarterback at the next level. If they stand pat at pick No. 3 in the 2024 NFL Draft, Maye seems like a very possible choice.

Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News: Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU

If not Maye, Jayden Daniels could be the quarterback who makes it to pick No. 3. There are concerns about Daniels' durability and he has taken a ton of big hits during his college career, but the combination of arm talent and athletic traits is as good as it gets.

Keith Sanchez, The Draft Network: J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan

The Draft Network casts a third vote for J.J. McCarthy in the latest Patriots mock draft roundup. If Jerod Mayo feels that he is player who can run the offense and allow New England's defense to do their thing, we can't rule him out as the selection with the third overall pick. He is firmly on their draft radar.

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