Patriots Mock Draft Roundup: Different quarterback favorited to land in New England

With two weeks between now and free agency, experts continue to mock draft a quarterback to the Patriots with the third overall pick. Because it seems inevitable, it makes sense. But who that player will be continues to change.

For much of the last month, LSU's Jayden Daniels has been the universal favorite to play in Foxboro next season. As the presumed third-best quarterback of the class, everyone hypothesizing how the draft will go believed he was the best choice for Jerod Mayo to take with their first-round pick.

But that has changed recently, and now another player who was formerly the unanimous pick for the Patriots is back to being the favorite: North Carolina's Drake Maye.

The reason for the sudden change is uncertain, but who the top of the class will likely continue to change between now and the draft, especially with the Combine taking place this week and free agency next month.

PFF: Drake Maye, QB - North Carolina

The Draft Network: Drake Maye, QB - North Carolina

Brentley Weissman wrote:

"This would be a dream come true for the Patriots. Drake Maye has all the makings of a future NFL star and this team desperately needs some life under center. There would be quite a bit of work to do to build around Maye, but you do not pass on a talent like him."

CBS Sports: Drake Maye, QB - North Carolina

Kyle Stackpole wrote:

"Rick Spielman: The Patriots badly need a QB, so Rick gives them one with Drake Maye."

Sports Illustrated: Drake Maye, QB - North Carolina

NFL.com: Marvin Harrison Jr., WR - Ohio State

Daniel Jeremiah wrote:

"In this scenario, the Patriots go the veteran route to fill the need at quarterback, which frees them up to trade the No. 3 overall pick or take the uber-talented Harrison."

The Athletic: Olu Fashanu, T - Penn State

Patriots.com: Marvin Harrison Jr., WR - Ohio State

Mike Dussault wrote:

"With Caleb Williams and Drake Maye gone by pick three I'm making a case to take the top rated player left on the board even though it's a receiver and the Patriots have a lot of other, perhaps more important holes to fill, at least at this point in the spring before free agency has happened. After spending the last decade wondering where the next Randy Moss might come from, the Patriots add an all-around threat who can line up anywhere and dominate. Harrison's size, athleticism and playmaking ability would provide an instant boost to the offense no matter who is throwing him the ball."

MassLive: Drake Maye, QB - North Carolina

Karen Guregian wrote:

"Kendrick Bourne is hoping the Patriots draft LSU's Daniels. Ditto Matthew Judon, as both Patriots let their preference known on Radio Row when asked who they'd take at No. 3. For this mock, their wish doesn't come true."

CBS Sports: Drake Maye, QB - North Carolina

Ryan Wilson wrote:

"The Patriots cannot come out of this draft without a quarterback. Drake Maye could push Caleb Williams for QB1, depending on the team -- and Jayden Daniels could be in the QB2 conversation, too. This QB class is deep at the top, so different teams will have different favorites."

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