The New England Patriots kicked off their offseason by replacing head coach and general manager Bill Belichick with Jerod Mayo. Now as the first-year coach settles in and owner Robert Kraft moves forward with a new front-office structure, the team’s plans in the 2024 NFL Draft are gaining clarity.
New England cost itself a top-two pick in the NFL Draft thanks to a game-winning field goal against the Denver Broncos in Week 16. Because of that last-second victory, the Patriots slid to the No. 3 slot in the 2024 NFL Draft order and there seems to be a very real chance it will influence their plans on draft night.
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According to Dan Graziano of ESPN, the Patriots are very open to the idea of passing on either quarterback Jayden Daniels or Drake Maye with the third overall pick and trading down with a quarterback-needy team.
While many fans want the franchise to take the best quarterback available, executive Eliot Wolf seems to. be focused on first building a stronger roster. The Patriots have had one of the worst NFL offenses for two consecutive seasons and while quarterback Mac Jones has struggled, the organization recognizes he lacked a quality supporting cast.
Because of the lack of offensive talent on the Patriots roster at multiple spots and where New England is picking in 2024, trading down on draft night is very possible. As for whether or not it’s a good idea, a few potential trade scenarios can answer that.
Examining 3 potential draft-day trade scenarios
The expectation remains that the Chicago Bears will draft quarterback Caleb Williams with the first overall pick followed by the Washington Commanders selecting quarterback Drake Maye second overall. While that would leave Daniels on the board for New England, they don’t have the infrastructure to support a quarterback who still needs a lot of time to develop as a passer.
Because of that, it increases the likelihood of the Patriots trading the third overall pick. With plenty of teams already expressing interest in moving up for a quarterback, there are a few trade-down scenarios New England could explore.
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- Atlanta Falcons: In a trade-down with the Atlanta Falcons, New England could ask for the 8th overall and 43rd overall picks in 2024 paired with second and fourth-round picks in 2025. With the eighth selection, the Patriots could pick Notre Dame offensive tackle Joe Alt or Penn State offensive tackle Olu Fashanu to address their need at left tackle.
- Minnesota Vikings: A deal with the Falcons, keeping New England in the top 10 picks is preferred, but a trade with the Minnesota Vikings would offer a stronger return. With the Vikings dedicated to finding their quarterback of the future, New England could acquire the 11th and 42nd overall picks this year paired with Minnesota’s 2025 first-round pick. At 11th overall, the Patriots can take the best wide receiver or offensive tackle prospect available in the 2024 NFL Draft.
- Las Vegas Raiders: If the Patriots are willing to fall a few spots further down the draft order, a deal with the Las Vegas Raiders makes the most sense. One potential trade could send the No. 3 pick to Las Vegas for the 11th and 44th overall picks this year, a 2025 first-round pick and New England swaps its 2025 fifth-round pick for the Raiders’ 2025 third-round selection.
