Crystal (Foot)Ball: NFL Mock Draft; Patriots Pick in 2024?

Because it's never too early to plan for the future, NFL 2024 mock drafts have the New England Patriots already eyeing an offensive tackle.

A year from today will Mac Jones still be the New England Patriots' quarterback? Will 72-year-old Bill Belichick still be the king of Foxboro? Will Christian Gonzalez be a burgeoning NFL star cornerback or simply a flashy bust?

And will the team have a post-Tom Brady playoff win on its resume, or a prolonged hole?

While only this season can provide those answers, we do know that in late April 2024 the Pats will be evaluating their new draft class. Next Spring the NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, but where - and who - will New England pick?

We know, the dust has yet to settle on this year's draft crop of a dozen rookies. But because it's never too early to plan for a football future, 2024 mock drafts are already heating up.

USA Today put out the first of countless mocks over the weekend, and it has the Patriots picking No. 10 overall. Not because of 2023 standings (obviously), but based on current Super Bowl odds.

The 2024 draft class will again be loaded with skill-position players, led by 2022 Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Caleb Williams (USC), receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (Ohio State) and quarterback Drake Maye (North Carolina).

While the mock has the Arizona Cardinals choosing Williams No. 1 overall (hello, Kyler Murray?), it has the Patriots looking to protect their quarterback - whether it be Jones or someone else:

10. New England Patriots – Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame

Reasons USA Today:

A first-team All-American in 2022, the 6-8, 315-pound Alt translates his upper-echelon physical tools into dominant performances. After putting together a patchwork plan at offensive tackle this offseason, Bill Belichick might want to come up with a more reasonable resolution for Mac Jones by letting Alt take over for free-agent-to-be Trent Brown.

As of now New England in 2024 will have its own picks in Rounds 1-7 and an extra sixth-rounder from the Las Vegas Raiders.

We now return you to 2023.

---

Follow Richie Whitt on Twitter

Follow Patriots Country on Twitter and Facebook

Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Patriots? Click Here

More Patriots coverage from Sports Illustrated here.