NFL

ESPN’s latest mock draft has Patriots taking quarterback, tackle with first two picks

The Patriots have several areas to address on the offensive side of the ball this offseason.

Patrick Paul could be a viable first-round pick by the time the NFL Draft rolls around. (AP Photo/ Butch Dill)

February 5, 2024

2 minutes to read

Jerod Mayo and the Patriots have their work cut out for them when it comes to rebuilding an uneven roster, especially on offense.

And while the writing is on the wall that New England needs to add an impact player at the quarterback position this offseason, the Patriots were also hindered in 2023 by a porous offensive line and a dearth of proven playmakers.

In other words, there’s no real quick fix to alleviate New England’s offensive woes — at least not in one offseason.

But in ESPN’s latest NFL mock draft, draft analyst Matt Miller has the Patriots addressing two critical needs with their first two selections.

Miller has New England taking LSU quarterback and reigning Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels with the No. 3 overall pick, while later grabbing University of Houston offensive tackle Patrick Paul in the second round (No. 34 overall).

Despite recent draft projections tabbing Daniels as a potential No. 2 overall pick over UNC QB Drake Maye, Miller has the LSU signal-caller available when New England lands on the clock.

And while the Patriots could opt to either trade down or select arguably the top prospect on the board in Ohio State receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. at No. 3, Miller believes that Daniels offers the highest upside at a critical area of need for New England.

“The reigning Heisman Trophy winner, Daniels has elite open-field speed and vision as a runner, and he’s the best deep-ball passer in the draft class,” Miller wrote. “He threw 40 touchdown passes in 2023, and an FBS-leading 22 of them were on throws of more than 20 air yards. Daniels was the most improved player in college football after dedicating himself to playing better within the pocket, and his draft stock has soared from Day 3 to here.”

Paul stands as another appealing option for New England in the second round, especially given the uncertainty with the Patriots’ O-line this offseason. Pending free agent Trent Brown is likely going to play elsewhere after a tumultuous season in Foxborough, while right tackle Mike Onwenu is also primed for a major pay day on the open market.

Paul has seen his stock soar over the last few weeks thanks to his imposing frame and high upside.

“A strong week of practice at the Senior Bowl might have moved Paul into Round 1, but with the way this board fell, the Patriots find a potential starter at left tackle early on Day 2,” Miller wrote. “Paul needs to add strength to his lower body, but scouts are in love with his 36¼-inch arm length and 6-foot-7, 333-pound frame.”

Along with their coveted draft capital, New England has other means of adding to its roster this offseason. According to OverTheCap.com, the Patriots enter this spring with the third-most cap space in the NFL at $66,032,066.