NFL Mock Draft: Patriots 'Full-Blown Restart' With Franchise QB?

Will the New England Patriots get Jerod Mayo a franchise quarterback in April's NFL Draft?

Getting the right quarterback often determines the ceiling of a head coach. 

The inability to replace Tom Brady ultimately led to the demise of former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick. Will Jerod Mayo find his guy before his first season at the helm in New England? 

In The Draft Network's mock draft, it had the Patriots landing their quarterback of the future, as they took University of North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye with the No. 3 overall pick. 

Drake Maye / Clutchpoints

"It's a full-blown restart in New England with Bill Belichick out," The Draft Network writes. "Crazy, right? Talent lacks in a multitude of spots for the Patriots, and the only way to compete in the AFC East moving forward is to restart with fresh legs under center. Drake Maye not only looks the part at 6-foot-4 but has the skill set that should translate quickly to the NFL game. More talent is needed on the perimeter, however, if the Patriots want to provide themselves a clean window into Maye's evaluation early in his career." 

The Chicago Bears took receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. with the No. 1 overall pick, and the Washington Commanders took quarterback Caleb Williams at No. 2. Chicago's decision at No. 1 to either take a quarterback, Harrison Jr., or trade back will have a ripple effect through the draft and on New England's decision at No. 3. 

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Maye has worked his way into contention for the No. 1 overall pick with his playing 2022 and 2023 at UNC. In 2022, Maye set career highs with 4,321 passing yards and 38 touchdowns compared to seven interceptions, and he ran for 698 yards and reached the end zone seven times. Maye earned the ACC Offensive Player of the Year, plus the Player of the Year award.

While not as prolific, Maye had a solid year in 2023 with 3,608 passing yards for 24 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He also ran for 449 yards and a career-high nine touchdowns. 

Getting the quarterback position right will determine if Mayo can turn the Patriots around. If Maye is available, and New England can set him up for success the moment he steps on the field, it should heavily consider getting Mayo his franchise quarterback before his first season as head coach.

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