New England Patriots 7-Round Mock Draft 1.0: Which Quarterback?

Will the New England Patriots opt for a future franchise quarterback with the No. 3 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft?

Nov 11, 2023; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Drake Maye (10) / Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

With the first wave of free agency firmly behind them, the New England Patriots have collectively turned their attention to the upcoming NFL Draft. 

The Pats currently possess eight selections, with several needs on their roster. Needless to say, they will be among the busiest, and most watched teams on Draft weekend. 

Despite a preliminary decree from head coach Jerod Mayo to “burn some cash” in hopes of improving their roster, the Patriots took a relatively conservative approach in free agency — focusing primarily on extending and/or re-signing several core players. Therefore, they are likely looking toward the Draft to help add external talent for the 2024 season. 

While a trade or two cannot be ruled out (in fact, it is a very likely scenario), it is assumed that the Patriots will make all eleven selections for the sake of this argument.

Without further ado, here are Patriots Country’s 2024 Mock Draft 1.0 selections for the New England Patriots.

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

Round 1: No. 3 — Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina

Despite their voids at several key positions, the Patriots attempt to find their future franchise quarterback in Maye. The former Tar Heel has been described by some draft analysts as an “ideal fit” within coordinator Alex Van Pelt’s offense. Maye completed 63 percent of his passes in 2023 for 3,608 yards, 24 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He also ran for nine touchdowns. Perhaps best known for his elite arm strength, the 21-year-old also possesses the velocity and touch on the ball to make any throw required of him, including those into tight windows. Accordingly, he has been heralded as one of the best navigators of the entire field in this season’s Draft class. Maye is equally touted for his exceptional athleticism. When the play breaks down, he possesses both the agility and instinct to turn off-script options into big gains. 

Still, Maye still has some growing pains which will need to be addressed at the pro level. Though he is often praised for his willingness to take potentially productive risks, he has yet to master the art of temperance. As such, his daredevil-like play style can lead to costly mistakes. Maye also must develop his technique when handling pressure. Last season, Pro Football Focus credited him with a 19.6 percent pressure-to-sack rate last season, placing him on the higher side when being compared to successful pro quarterbacks. 

Round 2: No. 34 — Kingsley Suamataia, OT, BYU

Suamataia is not only one of the most underrated offensive tackle prospects in this year’s class, but also undervalued on several draft-pundit big boards. At 6-5, 326 pounds, the BYU product demonstrates outstanding speed and athleticism for an edge blocker of his size. As the Cougars' starting left tackle, Suamataia was reliable in pass protection while also showing toughness and tenacity as a run blocker. Suamataia is particularly adept on quick pulls and screens, which should allow him to quickly assimilate into Van Pelt’s offense. Though his hand placement and lower body strength are areas in need of development, the Pats gain first-round talent at No. 34, while filling their largest hole along the offensive line. 

Round 3: No. 68 — Devontez Walker, WR, North Carolina

Opting to provide newly-minted quarterback Drake May with some familiarity, the Pats take on Walker, who may best be described as a project with potential. Last season, he caught 41 passes for 699 yards and seven touchdowns over eight games for the Tar Heels. At 6-2, 200 pounds, Walker possesses a coveted blend of quickness, size, and big-play ability. He had a strong showing during his NFL Scouting Combine workouts — running a 4.36-second 40-yard dash and turning in standout results in both the vertical jump (40.5 inches) and broad jump (11-foot-2) earlier this month. Though he has had his issues with drops, as well as some difficulty in recognizing routes, Walker has shown enough acumen to become a solid presence for the Pats as an ‘X’ receiver with proper coaching. 

Round 4: No. 103 — Dominick Puni, OT, Kansas

Though he is listed as a left tackle, Puni has the versatility to align on the right side of New England’s offensive line, as well. Still, he was most dependable as the Jayhawks’ left tackle in 2022 and 2023. At 6-5, 313 pounds, he is well-sized to block on either edge and would provide the Pats with a solid swing option, who is also capable of making the occasional spot start. With both above-average arm length and exceptional athleticism, Puni projects as a player capable of making an immediate impact at the pro level. 

Round 5: No. 137 — Sione Vaki, S, Utah

Vaki is admittedly a work-in-progress at the position. However, his strength and tackling abilities make him worth the fifth-round investment. Last season, he totaled 50 tackles, an interception and two passes defended for Utah. Vaki was a solid free safety for the Utes, exhibiting a strong instinct for finding the football. He also has previous experience carrying the football as a third-down option on offense, as well as on special teams. As a defensive back, the Pats would likely utilize him as either a single-high defender or in the slot. In order to be a reliable third option at the position, he will need to develop as a centerfield defender.

Round 6: No. 180 — Justin Eboigbe, DL, Alabama

Eboigbe falling to the Patriots in round 6 has the potential to be a draft steal. Listed at 6-5 and 290 pounds, the Alabama product possesses both the physical tools and high motor to be effective within New England’s front seven. As a run defender, Eboigbe has a quick first step combined with great power. Though he anchors well to defend the pass, opposing linemen could circumvent his strength with technique to win their battles. Still, Eboigbe’s experience playing under former Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban should prepare him for action sooner rather than later. 

Round 6 :No. 193 — Tip Reiman, TE, Illinois

At 6-5, 271 pounds, Reiman defines the term “sizable, yet developmental” talent. While he possesses some potential as a situational, pass-catching Y tight end, his greatest impact within New England’s offense will be as a blocker. His massive frame allows him to drive his blocks using leg strength from his first step to the point of initial contact. While his hand placement could use some development, his ability to take on double-teams and combo blocks should allow him to make an immediate impact while learning to block in space. For a prospect of his size, he exhibits great athleticism and agility, as evidenced by his running the 40-yard dash in 4.64 seconds at last month’s NFL Scouting Combine.  

Round 7: No. 231 — Mason McCormick, G, South Dakota State

The Pats’ “Mr. Irrelevant'' for this exercise is anything but immaterial. McCormick plays the interior with a bit of a mean streak. Accordingly, he is known for finishing his blocks with authority. Should Van Pelt look to utilize pulling guards in select run packages, the South Dakota State product would be quite effective in such a role. Still, his falling to a late Day 3 selection was likely due to inconsistency with his footwork in both run blocking and pass protection. Nonetheless, he is a high-upside prospect worth more than the seventh-rounder surrendered by the Pats to secure his services.