Although most would argue the Patriots' only option for using their third overall pick in the upcoming draft is to take a quarterback, there is a chance they will prioritize weaponizing the offense before thrusting a young signal caller into the mix.
It wouldn't be a well-received decision, but it might be their most viable route if the new regime wants to avoid a Panthers/Bryce Young situation or a repeat of the Mac Jones era.
If that's the case, they will have some high-quality prospects to go after in this year's class, even more so if they choose to trade down with a team like the Vikings, who appear to be loading up to move into the top-3 picks for a quarterback.
That would allow the Patriots to have two first-round selections to use on the offense, boosting the roster to make for a much easier transition for their future quarterback.
Patriots 7-Round Mock Draft: No quarterback? No problem
Patriots select Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia, with the 11th overall pick
The first move of the night is the Patriots' trade of their coveted No. 3 pick to the quarterback-needy Vikings in exchange for the 11th, 23rd, and 108th overall selections. This would give them two first-round picks for the first time since the 2018 Draft, but hopefully, they'll pick better players this time.
In this case, they choose the best tight end of the class, Georgia's Brock Bowers, with the 11th overall pick. Although they re-signed Hunter Henry to a 3-year deal in free agency and added Austin Hooper, they still need to build up their tight end roster for the future.
Who better than the best prospect at the position over the last few years?
The 6'4" tight end is the 7th-ranked player by PFF this year, recording some of the highest-graded seasons for any player in the entire class. Over the last three seasons, he averaged 847 receiving yards, eight touchdowns, and 14.5 yards per catch, all of which would make him the most productive player on the Patriots roster over the last four years.
Patriots 7-Round Mock Draft: No quarterback? No problem
Patriots select Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas, with the 23rd overall pick
After a successful first pick to boost the offense, the Patriots do it again with the 23rd overall selection by taking one of the most hyped receivers since the NFL Combine, Texas' Adonai Mitchell.
Because they chose to release DeVante Parker earlier this offseason, who was their primary outside receiver, and the questionable fit of JuJu Smith-Schuster, adding a receiver who can line up outside every game will likely be a priority. Mitchell would immediately fill that void.
The Texas alum is quick on his feet, which is impressive for his size at 6'4", and consistently demonstrates an ease to change direction when being hunted by defenders. One of the best parts about Mitchell's game is his proven ability to get into the end zone, recording 18 touchdowns over the last three seasons.
He could easily be the WR1 the Patriots have been looking for.
Patriots select Jordan Morgan, LT, Arizona, with pick No. 34
The offense as a whole will surely be the focus of this year's draft, and the Patriots are fortunate that some of their most prominent needs are to have deep classes this year, with the offensive line being one of them.
This allows them to wait until their early second-rounder to take their next starting left tackle, as they select Jordan Morgan out of Arizona with the 34th pick.
Because there was a clear priority to re-sign their most integral pending free agents, locking up Mike Onwenu for three more years means Mayo and Co. will only need to replace the departing Trent Brown and not both tackles.
Morgan provides that stability that has been problematic over the last few seasons. At 6'6", 320 pounds, he's not nearly as big or basically unmovable the way Brown has been. However, he's athletic and is proven to be a solid defender of his quarterback, allowing just three sacks over the last two seasons.
Patriots 7-Round Mock Draft: No quarterback? No problem
Patriots select Jaylen Wright, RB, Tennessee, with pick No. 68
This might be a controversial pick since Rhamondre Stevenson remains signed for one more season, and Antonio Gibson was just brought in on a three-year contract. However, the NFL is known for not valuing running backs, resulting in teams' reluctance to pay them beyond their rookie deals, which could mean Stevenson will be gone next season.
If that's the case, why not snag the top halfback of this year's draft class by selecting Jaylen Wright from Tennessee in the third round?
As the second-ranked halfback of this year's class by PFF, Wright's addition would create even more positive opportunities for Patriots quarterbacks. Not only is he a threat on the ground, recording 136 carries for 1,010 yards and four touchdowns in 2023, but he's also developing in the passing game, similar to that of Stevenson.
He's most often referred to as an 'explosive' player, credited for his incredible speed and standout route running. Wright is considered one of the most pro-ready players in the entire draft, which would benefit the Patriots' offense as they undergo significant changes heading into the 2024 season.
Patriots select Brenden Rice, WR, USC, with pick No. 103
To really put the offense over the top, the Patriots will take the son of a legendary receiver from USC with pick No. 103.
Brenden Rice has climbed the rankings since the Combine in February, as he had previously been projected as a later-round pick. It's possible he won't still be available by the fourth round, but in this case he was and the Patriots decide to double-dip at receiver to add him to their roster.
Despite the middle-of-the-pack ranking by PFF, Rice is said to be among the more polished prospects of the class. Much of that is credited to his genetics, of course, and the benefit of learning from a generational receiver, but his naturally high football IQ certainly helps.
All that he's learned throughout his football career has culminated in him being a dynamic and speedy receiver with a knack for creating separation from defenders (which the Patriots' receiving corps hasn't been too good at in recent years), which would make him more than a solid addition to New England's offense.
Patriots 7-Round Mock Draft: No quarterback? No problem
Patriots select Christian Jones, OT, Texas, with pick No. 108
To add even more depth to the offensive line, which has been one of the weaker units of the team in recent years, the Patriots take Christian Jones from Texas in the fourth round.
The offensive lineman is experienced at both left and right tackle, but he has seen more success on the right side. This provides some versatility for the Patriots, who love dual-threat players at any position on the team. Jones would be a solid backup for Mike Onwenu and could be insurance for the rookie left tackle as well.
Patriots select Grayson Murphy, EDGE, UCLA with pick No. 137
With the first defensive selection for New England in this year's draft, they decided to add a player who should be able to help Matthew Judon in the pass-rushing game by taking Grayson Murphy from UCLA at the top of the fifth round.
As a starter over the last three seasons of his college career, Murphy wreaked havoc on opposing quarterbacks, recording 23 sacks, 37 hits, and a beyond-impressive 102 hurries.
In addition to those skills, he's also a good run defender, which is becoming far more critical to a defense's success with the rise of mobile quarterbacks.
Patriots 7-Round Mock Draft: No quarterback? No problem
Patriots select Hunter Nourzad, C, Penn State, with pick No. 180
Now that James Ferentz has decided to retire and we haven't seen much from Jake Andrews, the Patriots' decision to draft another center makes sense. That's why, in this mock draft,, they select Hunter Nourzad from Penn State.
Besides backing up David Andrews, Nourzad adds a versatility that the Patriots love with their offensive linemen. He has experience playing all over the line, both left and right tackle, center and left/right guard.
Because injuries have created significant problems for the group over the past two years, having a guy like Nourzad who can easily play out of position when asked to and play well makes him all the more valuable.
Patriots select Nathan Thomas, OT, Louisiana, with pick No. 193
Who says you shouldn't take four offensive linemen in one draft?
With so many issues stemming from the lack of reliability of the offensive line last year, stacking the tackle positions seems like the easiest solution. Nathan Thomas would backup Morgan and could grow to be a good rotational piece in the future.
Although his stats won't jump off the page, Thomas was a stout protector of his quarterback throughout the last three seasons, allowing just seven total sacks, and proved to be the same as a pass/run blocker.
Patriots select Joshua Karty, K, Stanford, with pick No. 231
The uncertainty surrounding Chad Ryland after a rough rookie season in 2023 opens the door for the Patriots to use their final pick of the draft on a top special teams prospect.
Joshua Karty from Stanford would be a great pick to cap off the draft. He would provide some depth on special teams and competition for Ryland to remain the starter.