Perfect Picks 2024: New England Patriots
No team in this draft season is going through a bigger change than the New England Patriots. Bill Belichick was in control of the building from top to bottom and seeing how new GM Eliot Wolf and new Head Coach Jerod Mayo navigate their first draft will be one of the most intriguing parts of the offseason.
They have big decisions to make up and down this roster, starting at the quarterback position. They look increasingly likely to move on from Mac Jones but will they need to move up in the draft to get the man they want? Elsewhere, there are plenty of holes to fill considering Belichick’s most recent drafts have left something to be desired.
Round 1 - Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
Eliot Wolf being in control of roster management makes the decision at pick no.3 even more intriguing. His history as part of the Green Bay Packers makes me think they could be one of the teams not as high on LSU QB Jayden Daniels. Daniels’ skinny frame would likely preclude him from being a natural fit with Wolf. That said, in this mock scenario Daniels was off the board and Drake Maye was sitting staring at the Pats.
If that was the case, I think New England races the card to the podium. Maye has prototypical size, a big arm, and even the wheels to keep the chains moving. Despite the doubters, Maye was in the worst situation of all the top QBs and still wowed at North Carolina. There is still plenty to work on but that was also the case for Josh Allen and Justin Herbert. Maye has the arm talent to succeed where Mac Jones failed.
Round 2 - Jordan Morgan, OT, Arizona
Not only do the Patriots have a major question mark at quarterback they currently have issues protecting that position. It’s safe to think that Trent Brown won’t be returning on the left hand side of the o-line, while the Pats may face competition to hold on to right tackle Michael Onwenu. Even if they address the position in free agency, they will still need to add further bodies.
Outside of the top group of tackles, Jordan Morgan may be the best of the next group. Projected as a second-round pick by most, Morgan anchored what was a revitalised Arizona offense under Jedd Fisch. A three-year starter, Morgan came into his own in the last two seasons. Allowing only 3 sacks in over 900 pass blocking snaps, it’s clear why teams may scramble to get him on day two.
Mid Round Gem - Dallin Holker, TE, Colorado State
The Patriots under Belichick placed high value on the tight end position. And why not? Two tight-end sets were the backbone of the offense at times. It was clear Belichick wanted to rejuvenate the group by investing heavily in Jonnu Smith, Hunter Henry, and Mike Gesicki. Now, all three look set to hit free agency and leave the position group barren.
It’s not the best year to want a tight end. Outside of Brock Bowers, there isn’t a lot of high-end talent in the group. However, there are plenty of names further down the draft board and given the history of where the top tight ends have been drafted, that might not be a bad thing. Holker is best known for his dominant display against Colorado early in the season where he hauled in 6 catches for 102 yards and 2 TDs. He has the size and fearlessness to dominate in the middle of the field.
Late Round Sleeper - Jaylin Simpson, S, Auburn
With Kyle Dugger set to hit free agency, you can expect the Patriots to look closely at the safety class. New England found a foundational piece of their secondary in Christian Gonzalez last year and will be looking to build the group up with young playmakers. Someone like Auburn’s Jaylin Simpson has the versatility Jerod Mayo will likely covet.
Simpson played snaps across the secondary for the Tigers. Lining up mostly as a free safety but also taking substantial reps in the slot and closer to the line of scrimmage. His athletic ability means he has the range to cover all over the secondary and he displayed just that at both the Senior Bowl and the combine.
Draft in full
Round 1 – Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
Round 2 – Jordan Morgan, OT, Arizona
Round 3 – Xavier Legette, WR, South Carolina
Round 4 – Cam Hart, CB, Notre Dame
Round 5 – Dallin Holker, TE, Colorado State
Round 6 – Jaylin Simpson, S, Auburn
Round 7 – Rasheen Ali, RB, Marshall
