Mel Kiper’s Initial 2024 NFL Mock Draft Reveals Intriguing Patriots Selection

As the NFL shifts into the offseason for all but four teams, focus intensifies on the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft, particularly for squads seeking offensive talent.

This draft class stands out, especially for teams with offensive needs, featuring promising quarterbacks such as USC’s Caleb Williams, UNC’s Drake Maye, and LSU’s Jayden Daniels, all expected to be first-round picks. Additionally, the draft could see four or five wide receivers selected in the first round, led by standout Marvin Harrison Jr. from Ohio State. A couple of offensive tackles might secure top-10 picks.

For the New England Patriots, who face notable gaps at quarterback, wide receiver, and offensive tackle, ESPN expert Mel Kiper Jr. unveils an intriguing prediction in his first 2024 NFL Mock Draft. Kiper places UNC’s Drake Maye as the Patriots’ choice with the No. 3 overall pick, deviating from the common expectation of LSU’s Jayden Daniels at that spot.

Kiper envisions USC’s Caleb Williams going first overall to the Chicago Bears, followed by Jayden Daniels to the Washington Commanders at No. 2. He sees the Patriots, under new coach Jerod Mayo, seizing the opportunity to address their significant offensive challenges.

The Patriots, ranking second to last in offensive points per game (12.9) and last in pass block win rate (43.5%) in the previous season, are in dire need of an offensive overhaul. Key players like Trent Brown, Mike Onwenu, Hunter Henry, and Mike Gesicki are among the team’s free agents. Kiper suggests that selecting an elite quarterback at the top of the draft could mark the start of a new era and a potential offensive rebuild for the Patriots.

Regarding Maye, Kiper notes that the quarterback, standing at 6-foot-4, demonstrated strengths as an outstanding deep-ball thrower. Despite ups and downs in the 2023 season, Maye boasts qualities such as taking care of the football and displaying dual-threat ability. Kiper highlights Maye’s potential and underlines the Patriots’ pressing need for a quarterback, with Mac Jones showing regression.

Maye’s performance for the Tar Heels in the past season includes completing 63.3 percent of his passes for 3,608 yards, 24 touchdowns, and nine interceptions in 12 games. With physical traits admired by scouts, including a tall frame, a powerful arm, and mobility in the pocket, Maye aligns with the attributes sought in a franchise quarterback.

As the debate unfolds between Maye and Daniels in the pre-draft discussions, Kiper emphasizes that the Patriots, given their desperate need for a quarterback, should strongly consider Maye if he is available when they make their selection. The looming decision adds an element of fascination to the upcoming draft.