Patriots Mock Draft Roundup: Experts unanimously agree on next quarterback

As the 2024 NFL Draft nears, who the Patriots will inevitably pick appears to be coming into focus for most experts, at least those who create mock drafts.

For much of the offseason, it has been a quarterback carousel in deciding who will be New England's next franchise player. But with just four days remaining until the first round kicks off, experts appear to have agreed on who will be the Patriots signal caller this upcoming season.

Fox Sports: QB, Drake Maye, UNC

Colin Cowherd says:

"It's not going to be pretty. He'll probably sit until Thanksgiving behind Jacoby Brissett. But they had the worst scoring offense in the league. Do you want to go 3-13 [or] 3-14? I'd get Drake Maye there. Next year's not a good quarterback draft. Also, he led the ACC in passing in back-to-back years. I think you've got to get him in-house. You can get receivers [in the] second, third, fourth [rounds] … but there's not going to be Drake Maye in the second, third … or perhaps next year. … Inconsistency bothers me, but he does look like Justin Herbert. He's a big, strong kid that moves."

Sports Illustrated: Drake Maye, QB, UNC

Chad Jensen writes:

"The Patriots could have parlayed their draft position into a bunch of picks to rebuild the roster post-Bill Belichick, but the need at quarterback is too pressing. New England lands one of the most coveted quarterbacks in the class in Maye, whose upside is definitely of franchise-caliber."

Draft Wire: Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State

Jeff Risdon writes:

"The highest-graded player in the entire draft regardless of position winds up going No. 3 to the Patriots. Harrison is ready to be great in the NFL, and it’s been a little while since the Patriots had greatness at any skill position spot on offense. He’ll make life easier for whomever is playing quarterback."

NFL.com: Drake Maye, QB, UNC

Chad Reuter writes:

"The Patriots have taken a back seat to Josh Allen and the Bills in the AFC East since Tom Brady's departure in 2020. So you can't blame New England if it might want a physical, strong-armed passer like Maye, who can emulate the game of Buffalo's Pro Bowl passer. Like Allen coming out of Wyoming, one of the biggest knocks on Maye is his inconsistency. I think offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt would embrace an opportunity to help the young man maximize his talents."

CBS Sports: Drake Maye, QB, UNC

Tyler Sullivan writes:

"While de facto GM Eliot Wolf did say the Patriots were "open for business," I think they'd have to be blown away to trade this pick. Personally, I'd stand pat and take the at-bat by drafting Maye, who has a ceiling that is too rich to pass up on."

The Athletic: Drake Maye, QB, UNC

Dane Brugler writes:

"Listening to trade offers is the responsible move for de facto general manager Eliot Wolf. But it is tough to imagine the Patriots passing on a quarterback here, especially if Maye makes it to No. 3. Owner Robert Kraft is not interested in another offensive season like last year in New England."

CBS Sports: Drake Maye, QB, UNC

Dan Parr writes:

"Barring a jaw-dropping trade offer they can’t refuse, the Patriots appear likely to stick and pick the top remaining quarterback on their board. It might take some time for New England to get back to its winning ways, but Maye has the tools to develop into the franchise passer the team badly needs. "

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