Which Quarterback-Receiver Duo Helps New England Patriots Most in NFL Draft?

It's expected that the New England Patriots will be selecting both a quarterback and wide receiver during the 2024 draft. Which duo would fit the best for the Pats' new era?

Nov 25, 2023; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Drake Maye (10) / Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports

Most NFL teams forget the basic understanding of how teams win on Sunday. While fans point to the quarterback position, it's usually those around the signal-caller that greatly affect the outcome of both the passer, and the game itself.

For the New England Patriots, they have learned that lesson the hard way since Tom Brady left.

Nov 25, 2023; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Drake Maye (10) / Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports

New England failed to surround former failed first-round quarterback Mac Jones with a competent receiving option, and it led to some of the worst seasons in franchise history. Now, with the third overall pick at their disposal, and three picks in the top 70, the Patriots have a chance to correct their mistake by pairing a young signal-caller with a dynamic young receiving option to grow together.

All eyes, at this time, point to North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye being the selection with the third pick. Maye's raw abilities and big arm will leave plenty in Foxboro pleased with the decision.

Pairing him with a young receiver, though, will be more about who fits his style of play more than who performs the best.

The easiest comparison to Maye is probably former second-overall pick Carons Wentz when it comes to his high upside and low floor. Both possess massive arms with suspect anticipation. Wentz worked well with quick receivers who knew how to get open in the intermediate game. While he did have success with big pass catchers like Alshon Jeffery, the better fit was someone who could get themselves open overall.

In the 2024 class, wide receivers come in all shapes and sizes. Big-frame players like Xavier Leggette can be considered big-body targets, while smaller-frame receivers like Xavier Worthy use their speed and route-running to get open.

At the very least, after the Patriots draft Maye with the third overall pick, the small-frame receivers should be their next focus during the second round. Worthy and Georgia star Ladd McConkey could be available when New England picks 34th, and would be the kinds of receivers that should mesh right away with a player of Maye's status.