NFL Mock Draft: New England Patriots ‘Best Possible Outcome’ with No. 3 Pick?

The New England Patriots begin the Jerod Mayo era by landing their quarterback of the future in Bleacher Report’s latest mock draft.

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

Whether it’s landing their quarterback of the future or trading back to accumulate more picks, the New England Patriots are well positioned to turn their franchise around as they enter their first season under head coach Jerod Mayo. 

In Bleacher Report’s latest mock draft, it had New England staying at No. 3 and landing UNC quarterback Drake Maye. Bleacher Report has Maye ranked as its No. 1 quarterback in the draft. 

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

“This scenario may be the best possible outcome for the Patriots since Maye is the B/R Scouting Department's QB1,” Bleacher Report writes. “Maye's 76 big-time throws ranked first among quarterbacks over the last two seasons, according to Pro Football Focus. With Maye in the fold, the Patriots can officially move into the post-Bill Belichick era.”

Maye was one of the best quarterback’s in the nation in 2022, throwing for 4,321 yards, 38 touchdowns and just seven interceptions. He also ran for a career-high 698 yards and scored seven times on the ground. Maye’s play led to him being named the ACC Offensive Player of the Year and the conference’s Player of the Year. 

The 6-foot-4, 223 pound quarterback regressed slightly in 2023, throwing for 3,608 yards, 24 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He ran for 449 yards but scored a career-best nine rushing touchdowns. 

"Maye has it all," Bleacher Report writes. "From a physical standpoint, Maye is [6'4"] and 223 pounds with great explosiveness, agility and long speed. He has a booming arm that can both throw javelins down the field and darts into tight windows.” 

Maye also got high praise from Mayo at the NFL Owners Meetings, as the Patriots head coach spoke favorably of the 21-year-old quarterback. 

“You can tell he has that leadership ability,” Mayo said. “The exciting part about a guy like Drake Maye is there is no ceiling with a guy like that.”

The Patriots roster has plenty of holes, especially on offense. While trading back and earning more picks would go a long way toward addressing those needs, it’s going to be nearly impossible for New England to turn things around until it finds its quarterback. 

There’s no guarantee New England will be positioned to land a quarterback in next year’s draft and it’s unknown if that quarterback class will even compare to this year’s group of quarterbacks. If Maye is the quarterback who is there at No. 3 and Mayo and the rest of the Patriots coaching and scouting staff is high on him, he should undoubtedly be the pick at No. 3 overall.