Patriots may run into speedbump with hopeful yet to declare for the 2024 draft

Because the Patriots are set to have the third overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the main focus (of course) has been them taking their next franchise quarterback. Since it appears we have seen the end of Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe in New England, prioritizing selecting one of the top-ranked players at the position could catapult them back to being a competitive team much sooner than anticipated.

Who that player may be has shifted over the last few months, from Drake Maye to maybe Caleb Williams, and now the latest being Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels.

All are possible with the third pick, especially since the Bears, who have the first overall, may not take a quarterback if they decide to put all their chips on Justin Fields. That means the presumed first pick of the draft, Williams, could still be available for the Patriots just two choices later.

However, there appears to be a potential speedbump with that possible outcome, as the quarterback has still not been declared for the draft despite the deadline being January 15.

Although they haven't been considered in reach for the USC talent, as he's been widely mock-drafted as the first player off the board, it could throw a wrench in their potential quarterback plans if he doesn't declare and the Bears planned on taking him.

If the Patriots have their eye on Daniels or Maye, they could be more at risk of being taken before they're on the clock if Williams isn't there, which could spell disaster for a team needing a game-changing quarterback. It's possible it could be no issue at all if Chicago decides to take Marvin Harrison Jr., the top-ranked wide receiver, meaning only the Commanders would be a threat to take a quarterback New England likes.

However, it's unclear what the Bears' plans are regarding Fields. But we'll have to wait to hear what that may be until we get closer to the draft in April.

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