Quarterback is the biggest need for the New England Patriots going into the 2024 NFL draft, but an “unreal” wide receiver might offer better value. That’s the opinion of ESPN’s Matt Miller, who considers Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. as the “best value,” while Miller’s colleague Jordan Reid thinks North Carolina passer Drake Maye fills the biggest need.
While Miller doesn’t believe the Patriots will actually pick a receiver over a QB, he sees “the value is too sweet with Harrison, my No. 2 overall player with a big-time grade of 98 overall. That’s tied for the best in this class with Williams. Harrison has exceptional control over his body, speed and instincts, leading to 14 touchdowns last season.”
Interestingly, Miller’s argument is indirectly supported by Reid. The latter admitted that while Maye is the best choice, “the Patriots lack the offensive personnel necessary for a young QB to succeed right now.”
Choosing Harrison with the third-overall pick would help solve that problem. Pairing arguably the most dominant player at his position in this class with DeMario Douglas, a 2023 draft steal, would give the Pats a foundation for crucial improvements in the passing game.
Opting for a quarterback for Harrison would also leave the option of trading back in the first round open for the Patriots.
Marvin Harrison Jr. Pick Gives Patriots Options
New England’s Director of Scouting Eliot Wolf hasn’t been hesitant to express a willingness to move up or down the board. He told reporters, “We’re open to anything — trading up, trading down. … We’re open in the first round or any round,” per Ben Volin of The Boston Globe.
Moving back in the opening round would keep the Pats in sight of Harrison. He’s usually projected to go anywhere in the fourth to sixth-pick range.
Some of the latest mock drafts reflect this trend. Harrison goes fifth overall to the Los Angeles Chargers in the mock written by NFL.com Draft Analyst Chad Reuter. Meanwhile, Tyler Sullivan of CBS Sports has the Arizona Cardinals taking Harrison one pick sooner.
Moving back, even just a couple of spots, would allow the Patriots to accumulate picks. Wolf could use the extra draft capital to fill gaps on a roster still needing help at running back, along the offensive line and in the pass-rush department.
Otherwise, the Pats won’t need to move to pick Harrison. They could justify staying at three to take the dynamic pass-catcher, according to Austin Mock of The Athletic.
He believes veteran signal-caller Jacoby Brissett can keep things steady for a year while the Patriots add talent around football’s most important position: “There are too many needs on this offense for a non-elite QB prospect to succeed, so I’m comfortable with Brissett’s play and adding the top wide receiver to an offense that is severely lacking skill position talent.”
Harrison’s status as perhaps the most complete receiver in this draft would soften the blow of Wolf passing on a quarterback. It would also provide the Patriots with what they lack most offensively, a true field-stretching playmaker.
Harrison displayed his ability to make long passes for this touchdown against Western Kentucky, featured by FOX College Football.
In the end, picking Harrison might benefit the Patriots more than putting Maye in the same situation that Mac Jones few favors.
Drake Maye Would Have Tough Time Reviving Patriots
Maye has all the skills to be the main quarterback the Patriots want. These skills include the arm strength and precision to accurately throw to his receiver, despite a crowd.
It’s what Maye did for this scoring play to Devontez Walker against Virginia Tech, highlighted by The CW Sports.
The issue is even a top-notch passer needs assistance.
Help is scarce when the Pats lack a true top receiver. When the team also lacks a powerful and versatile main player in the backfield or a moving coverage challenge at tight end.
Jones faced the same drawbacks, as well as a declining O-line. Not surprisingly, the 15th player drafted in 2021 struggled, and Maye could encounter the same.
His numbers dropped from 4,321 yards and 38 touchdown throws in 2022, to 3,608 yards and 24 scores last season, according to Sports Reference. It was noticeable.
Maye no longer had Josh Downs to throw to, while Antoine Green had also gone pro. A limited supporting group affected a talented QB1.
The Patriots have been here before, so choosing Harrison for a second-round quarterback or a first-round prospect next year, might make more sense.
