Patriots Trade? Or Stay at No. 3 to Draft Jayden Daniels? Ex-NFL GM Predicts

Despite recent trade rumors, a new mock draft has the New England Patriots sticking with their No. 3 overall pick in the NFL Draft.

Nov 25, 2023; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; LSU Tigers quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) during warmups / Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Despite recent comments from the New England Patriots top brass, owner Robert Kraft, and coach Jerod Mayo, indicating they are certainly open to listening to trade offers for the No. 3 overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, many experts are still projecting them to take a quarterback with that selection.

Former New York Jets general manager and now-turned-ESPN analyst Mike Tannenbaum is one of those. In his recent first-round mock draft, Tannenbaum has the Patriots staying put at No. 3 and taking LSU’s Jayden Daniels following Caleb Williams and Drake Maye at No. 1 and 2, respectively.

However, even while Tannenbaum predicts Daniels to land in New England, his analysis of the picks is more of a pro-and con-list. 

“I have concerns about his build -- he was listed at 6-4, 210 pounds at LSU and didn't weigh in at the combine -- and he needs to add weight to withstand the rigors of an NFL season,” Tannenbaum writes of his concern with Daniels. “But I really like the idea of Jacoby Brissett already being in New England, which would allow the Pats to let Daniels develop; there's no rush or rule that says he has to play right out of the gate.”

Nov 25, 2023; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; LSU Tigers quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) during warmups / Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Considering there is no perfect prospect in the draft, if weight is the primary concern about Daniels, then it shouldn’t be enough to scare the Patriots off, as it can be added through the proper strength and conditioning program. 

However, as Tannenbaum mentions, if the reigning Heisman Trophy winner isn’t ready to play right away, then the Patriots do have the option of starting Jacoby Brissett. Brissett is no stranger to being a bridge option, as despite starting last season as the backup to the Washington Commanders, Sam Howell, he was going to end the year as his replacement if not for an injury. 

Given Brissett’s experience and combining it with his pre-existing familiarity with Patriots offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt, as the two spent time together with the Cleveland Browns, New England seemingly has a structure in place to help develop a rookie signal-caller. 

Yet, the Patriots will be hoping that Daniels will have an immediate impact on the team after a senior season at LSU, where he put up video game-like numbers. The now-former Tiger threw for 3,812 yards, 40 touchdowns, and four interceptions. In addition to rushing for 1,134 yards and 10 touchdowns.