Kendrick Bourne gives his take on Patriots’ potential QB targets in NFL Draft

"I’m excited, bro, and just accepting whoever comes in, building that relationship immediately.”

Kendrick Bourne is expected to be a big piece of New England's offense in 2024. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer, File)

April 4, 2024

2 minutes to read

Even though the Patriots may not be in a position to select the presumed No. 1 pick, Caleb Williams, in the 2024 NFL Draft, New England is still primed to add at least one blue-chip quarterback later on this month with its third-overall selection.

But even if de-facto GM Eliot Wolf and the rest of the Patriots are committed to adding a potential franchise QB when they first land on the clock, it remains to be seen which signal-caller the Patriots are actually coveting in what is shaping up to be a talented class.

It’s a good problem to have for the Patriots, who will be able to pick at least one of LSU’s Jayden Daniels, UNC’s Drake Maye, or Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy with that No. 3 selection.

Speaking on “The Money Down” Podcast with former NFL players Warren Herring, Sojourn Shelton and ex-Patriots running back James White, New England wide receiver Kendrick Bourne admitted that he’s been doing his homework on several potential QB targets for his team.

“I’ve been big Jayden, but after watching Drake — I haven’t really watched J.J. — they’ve been giving him the Josh Allen comparison,” Bourne said. “He is 6-foot-4, 225. He got that build. He got that structure to handle — I thought he was like 6-foot-2, maybe 200. Nah, they say he 6-foot-4, 225, like big dog. He got something to him.

“I’m in between, bro. I’m really in between. J.J., too. He got that winning mentality. He’s been through the hard work. (Jim) Harbaugh, Michigan, he just got that mentality. I’m excited, bro, and just accepting whoever comes in, building that relationship immediately.”

With the Patriots unable to land a proven No. 1 receiver like Calvin Ridley in free agency, Bourne might be one of the top pass-catching targets for whichever quarterback New England ends up taking in the upcoming NFL Draft.

Even though New England could presumably secure a haul of draft picks if it opted to trade down from No. 3, the Texans’ rise as a potential powerhouse after drafting C.J. Stroud last April should serve as a valuable lesson for the Patriots.

If the Patriots want to orchestrate a swift rebuild in 2024 and beyond, they might have to swing for the fences by taking one of Daniels, Maye, or McCarthy with that third pick.