Here’s who NFL insider Field Yates has Patriots drafting with No. 3 pick

"As the Patriots embark on a new era under Jerod Mayo, they could build the new offense around Maye."

Drake Maye could be a possible target for the Patriots with the No. 3 pick. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)

February 15, 2024

1 minute to read

Another mock draft, another scenario where the Patriots take a quarterback with the No. 3 pick.

But for all of the talk about the Patriots having to settle for LSU QB and reigning Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels with that No. 3 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, some of that sentiment might be shifting.

Because in ESPN NFL insider Field Yates’ new mock draft, he has New England taking UNC QB Drake Maye with that coveted first-round selection.

Yates has two other QBs in USC’s Caleb Williams and Daniels going No. 1 and No. 2 overall to the Bears and Commanders, respectively, before New England snags Maye.

While Maye has largely held steady as the No. 2 prospect on this draft leaderboard for months, Daniels has seen his stock continue to skyrocket following his breakout season at LSU. Even though Daniels might offer higher upside as a dual-threat QB, Yates stressed that Maye is still considered a blue-chip prospect given his strong frame and throwing mechanics.

“The 6-foot-4, 230-pound quarterback is still 21 years old and has the prototypical build for an NFL passer,” Yates wrote. “Maye is a strike-thrower when targeting the middle of the field, but he also shows nifty pocket agility to extend plays and has 16 rushing touchdowns over the past two seasons.

“As the Patriots embark on a new era under Jerod Mayo, they could build the new offense around Maye. New England finished last season 30th in yards per attempt (6.1) and 31st in Total QBR (31.6).”

Last month, ESPN NFL Draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. also tabbed Maye as going to the Patriots with the No. 3 pick.

“He’s an outstanding deep-ball thrower in a 6-foot-4 frame. He takes care of the football and has some dual-threat ability. There’s a ton to like in his potential,” Kiper said of Maye.