Robert Kraft might be in charge of deciding Patriots first-round draft choice

The 2024 NFL Draft is (finally) just around the corner, meaning we are nearing the end of rampant speculation surrounding what the Patriots might or might not do with the third overall pick. But because it's still days away, the rumors continue to fly.

Plenty has been debated regarding the possibilities of Jerod Mayo and Co. sticking with their given first-round selection or if they'll trade it away, with most fans standing firm with keeping the pick to take a quarterback.

But Eliot Wolf just shared with the media that the team is considering all options and isn't necessarily sold on which position to take if they stay put.

The assumption has been that they'll take a quarterback since they're in prime position to take one of the top three prospects of this year's class. Robert Kraft has made it clear that's the route he would like to see the new regime take, which might bare more weight on their inevitable decision than in any other offseason.

Robert Kraft might be in charge of deciding Patriots first-round draft choice

Kraft just made the decision to part ways with the most accomplished head coach in NFL history earlier this year, mainly due to the lack of success the Patriots have had since the departure of Tom Brady in 2020.

Because most of the team's struggles have stemmed from the absence of a legitimate quarterback, Kraft's desire to prioritize the position in this year's class makes sense.

Historically, Kraft has been said to be a more hands-off owner when deciding which players to draft or sign. But this year feels a bit different with so much on the line.

According to NFL insider Albert Breer, Kraft could make his preference to take a quarterback the ultimate decision on night one, essentially taking the responsibility away from Mayo and Wolf in order to get what he wants.

“I do think ownership wants a quarterback here. You have a new head coach. You have a de facto GM who doesn’t have a whole lot of certainty on what his role is going to be three weeks from now.”

Breer also mentioned that Mayo and Wolf deciding to trade down would be far more risky than giving up a coveted draft selection and potential pick of a franchise quarterback. It could result in upsetting Kraft, which would not be a great way to start their tenures in New England.

At the same time, Kraft's failure to trust the people he hired into these new positions could also create an early rift between them all, which no one would want.

It's going to be interesting to see how this all plays out come April 25, with so much pressure on the Patriots to make the right moves and draft the right players. A lot is on the line to get it right this year, especially if they want to get back to being a competitive team again.

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