Several arguments can be made that the New England Patriots should trade the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. All of them are extremely valid, too.
Trading down would allow the Patriots to get several selections, likely over multiple drafts, to help replenish a talent-depleted roster. They could build around the quarterback, potentially making life easier for whoever plays the position. This draft is loaded at offensive tackle and wide receiver, so such a trade would give them a better opportunity to load up their offense.
If they're lucky enough, they might also be able to still select one of the perceived top-six quarterback prospects in this year's draft. If they don't, they could be well-positioned to slot a quarterback in when the time comes with their extra draft capital.
All of that sounds fine and dandy. But there's one clear reason why the Patriots shouldn't trade the third overall pick that triumphs all of that.
Why the Patriots shouldn't trade the No. 3 overall pick in 2024 NFL Draft
It's a simple reason, really. In this year's draft, holding the third overall pick gives them the best chance they've had at landing an elite quarterback prospect in quite some time, and there's no guarantee they'll be in this position again.
Of course, there might be some who argue that there might not be a really strong quarterback prospect in the 2024 draft outside of Caleb Williams, the likely No. 1 overall pick. But that would be an incorrect assessment of this year's draft class.
Drake Maye, Jayden Daniels and J.J. McCarthy all have enough reasons for any team who drafts them to be excited and hopeful that they can turn into a franchise quarterback. The Patriots will almost certainly be making a pick between two of those players, so they're in a spot of power.
UNC QB Drake Maye (6’4/220) has been climbing the 2024 NFL Draft ranks, and for good reason. He navigates the pocket well for his size and makes a few tough throws against Virginia Tech worth taking note of.
Here’s a compilation of Maye’s best plays against VT: pic.twitter.com/Owjzu72s0w
— Eric Froton (@CFFroton) October 4, 2022
Maye might be one of the best quarterback prospects over the last decade. His size and strength have led scouts to compare him to Josh Allen and Justin Herbert. He certainly has moments where he looks like the two quarterbacks, too. He rushed for over 1,000 yards in the last two seasons, using his 6-foot-4, 230-pound frame at points to barrel over defenders. When he's throwing the ball, he's displayed downfield power, making a variety of deep completions during his college career.
Daniels will immediately become one of the best, if not the best, mobile quarterbacks once he gets drafted. He didn't run the 40-yard dash at all during his Pro Day, but the stats really speak for itself. He rushed for a whopping 1,134 yards and 10 touchdowns, consistently making players with his legs as he outran defenders.
Jayden Daniels is unbelievable.
Injured ribs, Daniels gets LSU to the endzone with his legs and then converts the two point attempt on a throw to Malik.
LSU leads 35-32, 7:54 4Q pic.twitter.com/TtOONWgtvz
— Matthew Brune (@MatthewBrune_) October 7, 2023
Of course, Daniels' arm was also strong, too. Sure, he has a pair of NFL receivers in Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr., but Daniels consistently made big throws deep down the field and outside the hash marks to move the ball for LSU.
McCarthy is the sneaky player of the group. His production at Michigan didn't suggest that he should be a top-10 or even a first-round pick in the NFL Draft, throwing for just 2,991 yards, 22 touchdowns and four interceptions. But Michigan's run-first offense and the Wolverines' all-around dominance didn't give McCarthy much of an opportunity to show his skills.
McCarthy reportedly ran a 4.48 40-yard dash during his time at Michigan while his throwing peed was the second-best among quarterbacks at the combine. He also made throws on the run in college, showing that he can make plays when the offensive line breaks down or receivers struggle to get open.
JJ McCarthy’s out-of-structure playmaking ability is special.
Here’s a thread highlighting some of his best off-script plays at Michigan:pic.twitter.com/QjU3CQU9AH
— Brandon Koretz (@BrandonKoretz) April 4, 2024
So, all three of Maye, Daniels and McCarthy can be playmakers at the next level, and that's what's probably going to be needed for the Patriots in order to compete in the AFC again. Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, Joe Burrow, Lamar Jackson, Justin Herbert, C.J. Stroud and more have been playmakers at quarterback in their young careers. If you want to be able to beat those quarterbacks' teams in the near future, you're going to need a QB who can go toe-to-toe with them.
Sure, the Patriots might not have the roster at the moment to beat the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills or Baltimore Ravens, even if they select the right quarterback at three. But the Cincinnati Bengals were in a worse spot when they selected Burrow than the Patriots are in now. The Houston Texans were in a similar spot when they drafted Stroud compared to where the Patriots are now. Both almost instantly turned their teams around, drafting their quarterbacks and worrying about the rest of the roster later as each made it to the postseason within their first two years.
Having that kind of difference maker can drastically elevate the ceiling of your team and allow front offices to properly build around them. After Allen showed enough upside in his first two years, they invested in him, improving the quarterback's play while turning the roster into a Super Bowl contender. The Patriots can do the same as they're still set to have loads of cap space open for the foreseeable future.
When the Patriots are on the clock with the third pick, the decision should be simple: Draft the best quarterback on your big board and worry about the rest later.
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