NFL analyst explained why the Patriots are ‘one of the more interesting teams’ in the 2024 draft
"'Everything on offense' might be the easier answer for what the Patriots need."
The Patriots’ draft strategy: Options abound for the Patriots in the upcoming NFL Draft (which begins April 25).
With the third overall pick, New England—set to draft in its highest position since 1993—is seen as one of the more intriguing teams given the potential implications of any decision that the Patriots make. Whether it’s making a trade, drafting a quarterback or, perhaps more significantly, not drafting a quarterback, choices made by Eliot Wolf and Jerod Mayo will have a huge impact for both the team and the league.
Added to this are the Patriots’ current circumstances, which ESPN draft expert Matt Miller recently summarized in an appearance on “NFL Live.”
“‘Everything on offense might be the easier answer for what the Patriots need,” he explained, alluding to the numerous parts of the roster that New England needs help at.
Quarterback is obviously a major hole on the Patriots’ roster currently, especially after trading former starter Mac Jones to the Jaguars in March. The current draft projects to have at least three (and possibly four) quarterbacks who could get picked in the top ten selections. In theory, New England management could simply wait to see which of the available top quarterbacks prospects fall to the third pick.
But with so many additional needs at other positions, would it make more sense to trade the third pick to acquire more picks? Miller explained the logic, having recently theorized that the Patriots should trade back.
“You could get a premier left tackle in a Ola Fashanu from Penn State if you move back to 11 and 23 where the Minnesota Vikings are at right now in the first round,” Miller said. “You could look to add an impact player on defense, like a corner in Cooper DeJean who has some of that inside/outside versatility, also a fantastic punt returner. Then you also have the 2025 extra first-round pick if you do move back.
Miller emphasized that his projection of a trade is simply hypothetical, and that it’s still unknown what the Patriots will do. Yet with such a plethora of positions requiring upgrades, New England leadership will have many potential paths to take.
“They have some big, premier holes to fill,” Miller said of the Patriots. “When you think about how you want to build the team on offense, you start with quarterback, wide receiver, left tackle.
“The Patriots don’t have an answer at any of those positions right now, so they’re I think one of the more interesting teams in terms of what does this new regime do to really put their stamp on it after Bill Belichick,” Miller added. “You have to follow those footsteps, but also you’re trying to build an offensive identity that they really don’t have now.”
Trivia: In 2011, the Patriots traded the team’s first-round pick in a draft-day deal with the Saints. New England sent its pick (28th overall) to New Orleans in exchange for a 2011 second-rounder (56th overall) and a 2012 first-round pick. What player did the Patriots pick with the 2011 second-rounder at 56th overall?
(Answer at the bottom).
Hint: Running back from Cal.
Scores and schedules:
On Sunday, the Red Sox achieved a 2-2 split in the opening series of the season, notching a 5-1 win over the Mariners. Tonight, Boston will be on the road to play the Athletics at 9:40 p.m.
Prior to that, the Celtics tip off against the Hornets this evening in Charlotte at 7 p.m.
Tomorrow, the Bruins will be in Nashville to play the Predators at 8 p.m.
Also tomorrow, the Revolution host Club América in the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinal at 9 p.m.
More from Boston.com:
- Enmanuel Valdez hits 3-run homer to help the Red Sox beat the Mariners 5-1
- Breaking down scenarios and potential 1st-round matchups for the Bruins
- Kyle Dugger reportedly still ‘dissatisfied’ with receiving transition tag from Patriots
- When fans reportedly might be able to purchase tickets for Tom Brady’s Patriots Hall of Fame ceremony
- Deuce Tatum poses like Kobe Bryant, with trophy by his feet
- Boston College survives late deficit, beats Quinnipiac in overtime to reach Frozen Four
- Boston University rallies past Minnesota to earn return trip to Frozen Four
- ‘They’ve been great’: What Drake Maye said of his meeting with Patriots during UNC’s Pro Day
- Larry David makes surprise appearance at TD Garden
Highlights from college hockey: Boston College advanced past the defending national champions Quinnipiac in a 5-4 overtime thriller on Sunday to reach the Frozen Four. Boston University also advanced thanks to a 6-3 win over Minnesota.
On this day: A year ago, the Bruins topped the Penguins 4-3 thanks to a David Pastrnak hat-trick.
Daily highlight: Here’s a creative out recorded by the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp (a minor league affiliate of the Marlins) in a loss to the Gwinnett Stripers on Sunday.
Trivia answer: Shane Vereen
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