As the NFL Draft gets closer, there is speculation about the New England Patriots’ No. 3 overall pick. The head coach Jerod Mayo recently shared insights into the team’s thinking about the crucial selection, hinting at their approach amidst the focus on quarterbacks.
In an interview with NFL Media’s Steve Wyche, Mayo stressed that while the quarterback position is a priority for the Patriots, they are not firmly committed to picking one with their top choice. This comes amid widespread speculation about the Patriots’ draft strategy, especially given their high draft position after a tough 2023 season where they ended with a disappointing 4-13 record.
“It’s the priority right now,” Mayo said to Wyche.“But with that being said, you have to really be in love with the guy to take him at No. 3. So really, all the options are still open for us. We’re not dead set at taking a quarterback at No. 3, but we do feel good having a guy like Jacoby (Brissett) ready to go.”
#Patriots HC Jerod Mayo: "It's (quarterback) the priority right now. But with that being said, you have to really be in love with the guy to take him at No. 3. So really all the options are still open for us."
“We're not dead set at taking a quarterback at No. 3, but we do feel… https://t.co/uEDkJQmVl2
— Evan Lazar (@ezlazar) March 24, 2024
The Patriots’ Search for a Franchise Quarterback
The Patriots’ need for a top quarterback has been clear, particularly after their failure to make a significant acquisition during free agency. Despite rumors linking them to quarterbacks like Kirk Cousins and Baker Mayfield, the Patriots chose to explore their options in the draft and also added veteran journeyman Jacoby Brissett.
Despite the speculation about the Patriots’ draft plans, Mayo has shown confidence in newly signed quarterback Jacoby Brissett’s ability to lead the offense if needed. Brissett’s return to Foxborough after time with multiple teams demonstrates the Patriots’ willingness to consider all options for the quarterback position.
The Patriots’ Signing of Brissett has not been seen as a major signing. Nonetheless, Brissett has had a successful career and a very good season in his one year with the new Patriots offensive coordinator, Alex Van Pelt.
That year was in Cleveland in 2022, when Brissett played in 16 games and finished with 2,608 passing yards, 12 touchdowns to just 6 interceptions, and a QBR of 88.9, the highest QBR of Brissett’s career when he played in four or more games. Brissett has been considered an excellent mentor if the Patriots select a top QB prospect.
Focusing on the draft, the Patriots have been thorough in scouting top quarterback prospects. Key decision-makers like Eliot Wolf and Jerod Mayo have been or will be present at Pro Days for notable prospects such as Caleb Williams, J.J. McCarthy, Drake Maye, and Jayden Daniels. This comprehensive evaluation underscores the Patriots’ dedication to finding the right quarterback and leader for the organization's future.
Other Choices With the #3 Overall Pick
While most mock drafts suggest that the top three quarterback prospects will be chosen before the Patriots make their selection, Mayo and the Patriots are open to considering other options. This could involve trading down to gain more draft assets or addressing different areas of need with their first-round pick. There have been discussions of other teams offering a lot of draft picks or top players to exchange picks and move into the Patriot’s position to choose third overall.
It also depends on what the Bears and Commanders do ahead of the Patriots in the draft. With the Chicago Bears widely expected to choose standout quarterback Caleb Williams with the first overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, all eyes are now turning to the Washington Commanders and their potential plans for the second overall selection.
Commanders head coach Dan Quinn has suggested the team’s draft strategy, indicating that they will likely prioritize choosing a quarterback. Quinn told NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero that “it’d be fair to envision we’d be taking a quarterback,” but he didn’t rule out the possibility of a trade.
“To say where it’ll be happening, I think that’s a better question for Adam,” Quinn told Pelissero, referring to Commanders general manager Adam Peters.
Suppose the Patriots decide to keep their third overall pick but don’t love the quarterbacks available. In that case, there is speculation that they could add a potential star WR in Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison Jr. The Patriots did bring back WR Kendrick Bourne, but many believe the roster is still devoid of a true #1 WR.
As the countdown to draft night on April 25 continues, the interest surrounding the Patriots’ draft strategy only intensifies. Until the selection card is submitted, fans and analysts will eagerly await to see who will lead the Patriots into a new era.
