Patriots News: Tom Brady, Christian Gonzalez, Daniel Jeremiah and Mac Jones
NFL draft expert Daniel Jeremiah would be "stunned" if the Patriots don't take a quarterback with No. 3 pick
Once it was clear the Patriots would have the third overall pick in the upcoming NFL draft, it was immediately decided they would draft a quarterback to replace Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe. Because they haven't had a selection that high in nearly 30 years, it seems like the most sensible and predictable decision for a team needing a significant offensive roster rebuild.
However, because analysts have suggested the top two quarterbacks, Drake Maye and Caleb Williams, will be the first two off the board, and the third-ranked player, Jayden Daniels, is quite a ways behind them, perhaps the Patriots will go with wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. instead and hold off until the second round for their next signal caller.
That hypothetical scenario has gained some steam recently, especially since Jerod Mayo did not dismiss the idea of Jones regaining his QB1 role next season. But NFL draft expert Daniel Jeremiah expressed he would be "stunned" if the Patriots went that route, as he believes they will certainly take a quarterback.
Daniel Jeremiah on the Senior Bowl broadcast says he’d be “stunned” if the #Patriots do not go QB at No. 3.
— Brian Hines (@iambrianhines) February 1, 2024
Of the top three teams, he adds Washington is the team he’s not “100% percent sure” will go QB.
Given how high they're picking and the players available at that position, it would make the most sense to go for a quarterback with the third pick, only if they like who's left on the board. If not, there's no reason to pass up on Harrison Jr. and maybe look at Bo Nix or Michael Penix Jr. later in the first, if not early in the second round.
Fortunately, we don't have too long to wait until the draft, with just over 80 remaining between now and night one.