NFL Mock Draft: New England Patriots Select Top QB; Maye Day?

The New England Patriots could select a quarterback like Drake Maye with its first pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

The New England Patriots are due for a major reset this offseason.

With such stark changes, a new quarterback to build around is probably close to the top of the Pats' to-do list this offseason.

In The Athletic's most recent mock draft, the Patriots are slated to select North Carolina's Drake Maye with the No. 3 overall pick.

Bill Belichick could draft Drake Maye in the 2024 NFL Draft / FanStreamSports.com

"With their quarterback situation in shambles, the Patriots have a bottom-five offense," The Athletic writes.

"In his 24 years as head coach in New England, Bill Belichick has never drafted in the top five, but this season is certainly trending in that direction. That’s the bad news. The good news? This is a great draft for a quarterback-needy team to own an early pick. Maye is a young player and not without his faults, but he has promising talent and more big-time throws on his tape than any other passer in this class."

USC quarterback Caleb Williams was drafted at No. 1 by the Chicago Bears and Ohio State receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. was taken at No. 2 by the Arizona Cardinals, making Maye the most logical player to go at No. 3.

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In 12 games with the Tar Heels this season, Maye has thrown for 3,608 yards and 24 touchdowns against nine interceptions. It's a strong stat line, but Maye performed even better in 2022, recording 4,321 yards and 38 touchdowns with just seven picks.

If the Patriots can find a quarterback worth taking them into their next era in franchise history, their rebuild will be much smoother as it continues. There is more to fix with this Pats roster, but a quarterback like Maye could be a great foundation to start with.

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