Now is about that point of the offseason where draft rumors pick up. With the 2024 NFL Draft less than one month away, those rumors are certainly picking up about the New England Patriots.
The Patriots currently own the third overall pick in this upcoming draft, and they can go many different routes with that selection. They could trade down and acquire more assets or keep the pick and possibly select their franchise quarterback. Either way, though, New England will have a tough decision to make over the next month.
So, will the Patriots trade the No. 3 overall pick? If they keep the pick, who will they select? Let's dive in and find out.
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Will the New England Patriots Trade the No. 3 Pick?
Earlier this week, ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter said on "The Pat McAfee Show" that the Patriots will "listen" to trade offers for the third overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. That means that New England is likely open to trading the pick if the right offer is presented from a team.
However, listening to offers and actually trading the pick are two completely different things. While the Patriots will listen to offers on that pick, it would be pretty shocking to see them trade it -- considering they desperately need a quarterback.
Jason McCourty’s advice to the Patriots at No. 3 in the draft (via @gmfb):
“Take a quarterback. Please, just take a quarterback. I don’t want to see you guys trade back and draft a Devin McCourty at the 27th pick…”
(with Devin right next to him on the set, of course) pic.twitter.com/MZCCcvpbdy
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) March 27, 2024
It remains a long shot that New England will trade the pick unless they receive an offer they can't turn down. This is what Schefter echoed later in that McAfee episode. The ESPN insider said he believes the Patriots will ultimately stay at that spot and make the pick at three.
Who Will the New England Patriots Take at No. 3?
The Patriots will enter the 2024 NFL Draft with plenty of needs on both sides of the ball. However, the biggest need is at the quarterback position. That's why trading out of the third pick would be a shock.
New England is in a prime spot to select its franchise quarterback in either Drake Maye or Jayden Daniels. With the Chicago Bears likely taking Caleb Williams and the Washington Commanders taking another quarterback, New England can take whichever top quarterback remains.
Patriots Jacoby Brissett could end up being the starting quarterback next year, per HC Jerod Mayo
“We're not dead set on taking a quarterback at 3, but we do feel good having a guy like Jacoby ready to go.” pic.twitter.com/9O3tnUhzRG
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) March 25, 2024
The Patriots did very little to upgrade their quarterback room this offseason, which included trading away Mac Jones. They did sign veteran Jacoby Brissett to a short-term deal, but he isn't their long-term answer. A quarterback like Maye or Daniels would certainly be that long-term answer.
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