Rookie Mistake: Mayo Gives Away Patriots Draft Hint?

Following his introductory press conference, New England Patriots coach Jerod Mayo seemingly gave a big hint at what position they'll be targeting with the No. 3 overall pick in the NFL Draft.

Usually, when it comes time for the NFL Draft, you don't see teams unless they have the first pick, of course, give out many hints as to who or what they'll pick. While many can definitely make an educated guess as to what each team will target, the element of surprise is always in play.

However, even with that potentially in mind, New England Patriots coach Jerod Mayo may have made his first rookie coaching mistake when talking about the upcoming draft, where his team will have the No. 3 overall pick. 

“What I will say is this: we’re gonna draft the best player for a position that is very important. You put the pieces together,” Mayo said in an interview with WBZ-TV’s Steve Burton following his introductory press conference on Wednesday.

Jan 17, 2024; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo answers questions from the media at a press conference at Gillette Stadium to announce his hiring as head coach.  / Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

While it is no secret that the Patriots are looking for a new franchise quarterback, after their last first-round pick at the position, Mac Jones has endured a tumultuous three years in Foxboro that ultimately culminated in him being benched for the final six games of the season, keeping their desires a secret can't hurt them. 

However, to be fair to Mayo, at No. 3 overall, it may not matter that he confirmed everyone's suspicion about what they are targeting, as both teams above New England on the draft board could also be taking a signal-caller. 

Despite reports toward the end of the season stating that the improved play of Justin Fields was making the Chicago Bears think about their draft plans, it is hard to imagine that they'd trade away the No. 1 pick in back-to-back years. Although you can never say never, as the Carolina Panthers were the team last year desperate to make their choice at quarterback, and they gave up a lot to do so. 

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Then behind Chicago is the Washington Commanders, whose planned late-season benching of Sam Howell never came to fruition as Jacoby Brissett suffered an injury, showed exactly where their head was at in regards to quarterback. 

So, in all seriousness, Mayo's pretty obvious hint may not matter after all, as the two teams above New England are also likely to take a quarterback.

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