Consensus Choice: 2024 Mock Drafts Agree on Patriots' Pick?

Two fresh NFL mock drafts agree on the top three picks next April, including North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye to the New England Patriots.

While fans can debate the various reasons for this disastrous New England Patriots' season - injuries, Mac Jones, Bill Belichick, etc. - we're starting to get a consensus on what the team will look like in 2024.

As a consolation prize for their worst season in 30 years, the 3-11 Patriots are trending toward a top three pick in next April's NFL Draft. If they lose their last three games - starting Christmas Eve night in Denver against the Broncos - they'll wind up with pick No. 2, and possibly No. 1.

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As of now New England owns the second pick, and two new mock drafts released this week both have the Pats selecting the same player: North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye. This season has created an organizational emergency, and the unanimous prediction is that owner Robert Kraft will issue a "Maye-day!"

Says CBS Sports: "Maye is a pure pocket passer with mobility and the full franchise quarterback skill set. The Patriots turn the page at the position."

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Reasons Walter Football: "Mac Jones stinks. The Patriots weren’t in a position to land a franchise quarterback in previous versions of our mocks, but they are now. They have to move on from Jones. Drake Maye is an athletic quarterback with good accuracy and field vision. His mechanics need a bit of work, but he’s still an elite quarterback prospect."

Both mocks agree on the order of the top three picks: 1. USC quarterback Caleb Williams to the Chicago Bears (via Carolina Panthers); 2. Maye to Foxboro; 3. Ohio State receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. to the Arizona Cardinals. Each also predicts that the Bears will wind up trading current starting quarterback Justin Fields.

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