2024 NFL Draft Predictions: Who will be the No. 3 Pick?

Joey Pollizze looks at who the favorite is to be selected third overall by the New England Patriots in the 2024 NFL Draft.

The New England Patriots are coming off their worst season in more than three decades. They went 4-13 in 2023, which was their worst record since they went 2-14 in 1992.

As a result, New England decided to make major changes this offseason. It mutually parted ways with Bill Belichick after 24 seasons, hired Jerod Mayo as its new head coach, and traded away former first-round pick Mac Jones. Now, the Pats are looking forward to the 2024 NFL Draft, where they hold the third overall pick.

So, what are the Patriots' needs heading into the draft? Who is the favorite to go third overall? Let's dive in and find out.

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What are the New England Patriots' Team Needs?

After a season in which they went 4-13, the Patriots entered the offseason with needs on both sides of the ball. Their three biggest needs, though, are likely at quarterback, wide receiver, and offensive line. It would be wise to assume that New England tackles all three positions in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Nonetheless, the biggest need heading into the draft will be at the quarterback position. Jones -- who was traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars this offseason -- and Bailey Zappe split playing time under center last season, but neither really showed much potential.

The #Patriots are hosting UNC QB Drake Maye on a 30 visit tomorrow in Foxborough, per @AlbertBreer.

Here. We. Go. pic.twitter.com/bAEMdzMm31

— Mike Kadlick (@mikekadlick) April 4, 2024

With New England also only signing veteran Jacoby Brissett this offseason, look for it to take a quarterback early in the draft. The Pats have the third overall pick, and the expectation is that they will use that pick to select their franchise signal-caller.

Who is Favored to be Picked No. 3 Overall?

The assumption around the league is that the top-three picks in the 2024 NFL Draft will all be quarterbacks. The Chicago Bears own the first overall pick and are likely taking USC quarterback Caleb Williams. Then, the Washington Commanders and Patriots should take the best available quarterback with their respective picks at second and third overall.

It would be a shock to most if New England didn't take a quarterback at third overall. As of now, the favorite to go to the Patriots at that spot is North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye.

Similar to what @AdamSchefter has been adamantly reporting — multiple league sources tell @Schultz_Report that LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels will be the #Commanders pick at #2.

This would leave the #Patriots with either Drake Maye or JJ McCarthy at #3.

Who will it be? 👀 pic.twitter.com/le7iuzC1W8

— Carlos Talks Pats (@LosTalksPats) April 11, 2024

Maye has the best odds on FanDuel (+100) to be selected third overall in the upcoming draft with Jayden Daniels coming in next at +160. It appears that the Patriots will take whichever quarterback that Washington doesn't select the pick before. J.J. McCarthy (+400) and Marvin Harrison Jr. (+1,500) also have outside chances to get selected by New England at that spot.

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