New England Patriots No. 3 Pick: 'Draft and Develop'?

New England Patriots' first-year head coach Jerod Mayo is preaching patience and process as the NFL Draft looms. The team failed to address major needs at quarterback, receiver and left tackle in free agency.

Nov 18, 2023; Clemson, South Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Drake Maye (10) / Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports

The New England Patriots have glaring immediate offensive needs, but first-year head coach Jerod Mayo is focused on a time-consuming process.

"Our philosophy as far as putting this roster together, you want to draft and develop," said Mayo at the league meeting in Orlando.

As they've already shown through their actions this offseason, the Patriots appear disinterested in quick fixes through the free agency market. They let receiver Mike Williams go to the AFC East rival New York Jets and came up short in the bidding for Jackonsville Jaguars' free agent Calvin Ridley, who landed with the Tennessee Titans.

Nov 18, 2023; Clemson, South Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Drake Maye (10) / Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports

Meanwhile, their most notable offseason moves have involved re-signing some of the better performers from last year's 4-13 team. Tight end Hunter Henry, who led the way with six touchdown receptions, is back as is highly-coveted offensive lineman Michael Onwenu.

"Everyone wants that big signing, but at the same time as we continue to put this team together, I think there has to be a process, there has to be a methodical process," said Mayo. "One of the No. 1 priorities we had was to sign our players back. We want to take care of our own."

Despite faring well as part of an underperforming unit, Henry and Onwenu could not help New England rank better than 28th amongst NFL teams in total offense last year. They are certainly solid building blocks, but they don't solve the Patriots' shortcomings at receiver, quarterback and left tackle.

All signs point to New England using the No. 3 overall draft choice to fill one of those holes with a player who can grow in Mayo's system.

"Those three positions that you just spoke of, I would say this draft has quite a few guys who can fill those roles," said Mayo.

Either North Carolina's strong-armed Drake Maye or LSU's Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels will likely be available to the Patriots on draft night. Should they not find a fit at quarterback, de facto general manager Eliot Wolf and crew could opt for Ohio State receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., who is a generational talent by multiple accounts.

"The draft is coming up. There will still be conversations as far as trades and things like that," said Mayo. "I have 100 percent confidence in Eliot and his staff weaponizing the offense."

With multiple positions to address, the Patriots have picks in all seven rounds.