2024 NFL mock draft roundup: It’s a two-way split for Patriots at No. 3

While Marvin Harrison Jr. would be tempting here, the Patriots need to address the quarterback position first and foremost. Daniels is coming off a monster year as a dual-threat weapon.

It’s a full-blown restart in New England with Bill Belichick out. Crazy, right? Talent lacks in a multitude of spots for the Patriots and the only way to compete in the AFC East moving forward is to restart with fresh legs under center. Drake Maye not only looks the part at 6-foot-4 but has the skill set that should translate quickly to the NFL game. More talent is needed on the perimeter, however, if the Patriots want to provide themselves a clean window into Maye’s evaluation early in his career.

Some may question whether this is too early for Jayden Daniels. It only takes one team to have confidence in his abilities, and if one team has a conviction about a player at the game’s most important position, then it is justified. In this situation, the Patriots take Daniels No. 3 overall to replace former first-round pick Mac Jones.

The Patriots tried to initiate the post-Brady era with Mac Jones, and it didn’t work out. Now, they’re in the lottery, and they’ll be rewarded with an aggressive, accurate passer who doesn’t mind lowering his shoulder on a scramble.

The Patriots were cruising to the No. 2 pick until two wins in their final five games dropped them to No. 3. While that likely takes them out of contention for Williams or Maye, the Patriots still have several favorable options.

With Bill Belichick no longer with the organization, there is a level of unknown here, especially considering New England needs help in so many areas. Despite questions about who will throw him the ball, though, drafting a legitimate No. 1 target is the wise move.

New England’s in a tough spot here. With two obvious players at the top of the position, they might have to trade up if they want to get their guy. If they’re happy waiting for QB3, then they can stay put.

Jayden Daniels took as big of a leap for a player in his final season of college that we’ve ever seen. His development as a passer made him a Heisman winner, and now it makes him an intriguing prospect at the next level. The Patriots must find new leadership, and with it should come a new franchise quarterback.

Moving back five spots and adding an impact receiver is excellent value for the New England Patriots.

The Patriots have a big question at quarterback, but improving the roster for new coach Jerod Mayo should be a priority instead of reaching for another quarterback because they have so many holes throughout the roster.

The Patriots have already waved the white flag on Mac Jones, who didn’t work out at all as a pocket passer. Here they can go for the much bigger arm and athletic upside of Maye, who is a better version of Sam Howell, his Tar Heels predecessor.

Yes, the Patriots desperately need a franchise quarterback. But do you want the third-best quarterback in this draft, or do you want the best prospect in the entire class, regardless of position? New England needs a true No. 1 receiver, too, and Harrison has Hall of Fame potential.

There’s a reason why Caleb Williams’ name continues to pop up at the top of nearly every mock draft board. He has rare arm talent that allows him to make some of the most ridiculous throws you’ll ever see on tape.

You always want to be careful when throwing elite quarterbacks out there as comparisons because Williams is still unproven at the NFL level. But some of the throws he was able to make in college were Patrick Mahomes-like. Does that mean he’s a lock to be the next Mahomes in the NFL?

No. But he has an exceptionally high ceiling that gives him the best chance out of all of the quarterbacks in the draft of one day being considered elite at the next level.