In the lead-up to the 2024 NFL draft, the New England Patriots have made it clear that they’re open to fielding offers for the coveted No. 3 overall pick. Patriots de facto general manager Eliot Wolf recently stated that the Patriots are “open for business” when fielding calls for the No. 3 pick. As the draft nears, several teams are calling.
According to ESPN’s NFL insider Adam Schefter, various teams have expressed interest, with the Minnesota Vikings among the organizations eager to make a move. Schefter wrote, “The Patriots, slated to pick No. 3, also have been fielding calls from teams. It would take a big offer for New England to move off that spot, knowing it needs to come out of Round 1 with a quarterback, but the team has listened. And the Vikings, among others, have attempted to move up.”
Having the third pick in the draft gives the Patriots a lot of power, especially in a year where there are a lot of great quarterbacks available. This makes the draft very interesting.
Some highly praised quarterbacks like Drake Maye and Jayden Danielswill likely be available at No. 3. This is a great chance for a team to get a very talented quarterback. But unfortunately, the Patriots also really need a quarterback.
The Patriots Are Preparing For Every Scenario
The Patriots know they need to get a quarterback from the 2024 NFL draft who can lead the team for a long time. But that doesn’t mean they have to pick a quarterback with the third overall pick. The Patriots are getting ready for any situation. Patriots reporter Alber Breer recently commented on the Patriots’ preparation for a variety of scenarios playing out at the NFL draft.
Breer also stated that the Patriots’ focus on Washington quarterback Micahel Penix Jr. might be a contingency plan if someone does offer a package worthy of the Patriots trading out of the No.3 overall pick. While Breer and many others don’t anticipate the Patriots will trade that pick, they have a plan in case it happens. “It’s worth noting that Penix was a late addition to the team’s slate of 30 visits—I’ve heard on good authority that was in case the team decides to trade down”, Breer said.
What Would It Take For Patriots to Trade No. 3 Overall?
As the draft buzz intensifies, ESPN’s Mike Reiss provided insight, suggesting that the New England Patriots may have steep demands for any potential trade-down scenario. Reiss speculated that a package including multiple first-round draft picks along with an established player could entice the Patriots to part ways with their prized position in the draft order.
One would think that if the Vikings started proposing packages that included star WR Justin Jefferson and multiple first-round picks, they would, at the very least, capture the Patriots’ attention. Other Patriots insiders also agree with Reese.
According to NBC Sports Boston’s experienced analyst Tom E. Curran, arranging a trade down from the New England Patriots’ high draft position won’t be cheap for anyone. Discussing this topic on the Patriots Talk Podcast, Curran explained the significant package he thinks would be needed to convince the Patriots to give up their desired spot in the draft order.
“What kind of payment do the Patriots need to receive? I believe it’s going to be three first-round picks, at 11 and 23, and their first-round pick from next year,” said Curran. “From what I’m hearing, it’s going to take more than that for the Patriots to move off their spot because they, as a team, understand the opportunity that these three quarterbacks represent at the top of the draft,” Curran stated.
While no one is exactly sure what the Patriots will do on draft night, it’s clear that they’re preparing for every possibility. And if the Patriots are to move off the No. 3 overall pick, it will take a substantial draft package for them to do so.
