Three round Patriots mock draft entering the second half of the season
Another week, another loss for the New England Patriots. They now sit at 2-7 and have the worst record in the AFC. It's more than clear that this is a lost season, and the Patriots are one of the worst teams in the NFL. Currently, they hold the 5th overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft.
Given their current draft position, the Patriots could do some damage, but how much exactly?
Round 1: Pick 5 - Drake Maye, Quarterback - North Carolina
Mac Jones is entering the final year of his rookie deal. After three years, barring a miracle, the Patriots will miss the playoffs in back-to-back seasons, and two times out of the three years Jones has been under center. He isn't the only problem on offense, but with some of his throws and how he reads the field, it's time to move on.
Jones was coming into the league after being surrounded by top-tier talent at Alabama and did not have to face much adversity. Plus, Bill Belichick has neglected to build around him. Just like Cam Newton, Mac Jones was set up to fail in Foxboro, and that is what has happened.
Given all that, the Patriots luck out that Drake Maye could be available for them in the first round.
Maye has improved every year that he's been with North Carolina. Last year, he led the Tar Heels to a 9-5 record where he threw for 4,321 yards, 38 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He completed 66.2 percent of his passes, having a quarterback rating of 157.9.
The quarterback has picked up from where he left off, throwing for 2,803 yards, 20 touchdowns, and five interceptions. Maye also gets it done on the ground, having seven rushing touchdowns last year for 698 yards, whereas this year, recording six rushing touchdowns for 254 yards.
Round 2: Pick 37 - Jordan Morgan, Tackle - Arizona
A big reason as to why the Patriots have struggled on offense this year is because of the offensive line. Mike Onwenu has been the anchor, but he is in a contract year. If Belichick passes up on giving Onwenu a new and big deal, the Patriots should select Jordan Morgan who admittedly will be a project.
But Morgan is a better pass blocker than a run blocker, which in today's NFL is much needed.
Given that the Patriots' offensive line struggles have been notable, it does make sense that the Patriots pass up an opportunity again to take a wide receiver. But, the Patriots so far do the right thing and go back-to-back offensive picks.
Round 3: Pick 69 - Tyler Guyton, Tackle - Oklahoma
This is another homerun pick for the Patriots. Guyton is a 6'7" monster that clogs the line of scrimmage. This season, Guyton has yet to give up a sack and has only given up two hits all year long for the Sooners.
Tyler Guyton is exactly what the offensive line needs and could end up being a steal for the Patriots. Guyton could line up with the starters and make an immediate impact.