NFL
2024 NFL Draft: What do the Patriots need? Projected picks in every round
The New England Patriots are headed into the 2024 NFL Draft with a laundry list of needs and we take a look at who they are likely to pick and when.
NFL Draft 2024 live online: First-round picks, teams, players and big board updates
Few teams are screaming “rebuild” as much as the New England Patriots. For the first time in a quarter century, Foxboro has a new skipper and a shopping list of needs.
They are in possession of the number three pick this year but have reportedly only had “laughable” offers for it from around the league.
So if things stay as they are, the Pats will have the following Draft picks:
- Round 1, Pick 3
- Round 2, Pick 34
- Round 3, Pick 68
- Round 4, Pick 103
- Round 5, Pick 137
- Round 6, Pick 180
- Round 6, Pick 193 (from Jacksonville via Mac Jones trade)
- Round 7, Pick 231 (from Chicago via N’Keal Harry trade)
Assuming that no last-minute deals take place, the Patriots will pick third, the highest that they have chosen since 1994. Their biggest needs? Quarterback, quarterback, and quarterback. Plus receivers.
With Caleb Williams almost certainly going first and Jayden Daniels likely to go second, the Patriots are looking at Drake Maye or JJ McCarthy. Other names to keep on the horizon are Michael Penix and Bo Nix, although it is possible that the Pats will keep those on hold until the second round.
There is an outside chance that the Commanders are cooling off on Daniels, which could open that as a possibility, and if he is available, New England will not hesitate to grab him.
Beyond the QB spot, the Patriots need receivers and a good offensive tackle. Here are the players that we think they will go for.
- Round 1, Pick 3: JJ McCarthy, QB, Michigan
- Round 2, Pick 34: Ricky Pearsall, WR, Florida
- Round 3, Pick 68: Devontez Walker, WR, North Carolina
- Round 4, Pick 103: Blake Fisher, OT, Notre Dame
- Round 5, Pick 137: Dallin Holker, TE, Colorado State
- Round 6, Pick 180: Joe Milton, QB, Tennessee
- Round 6, Pick 193: Luke McCaffrey, WR, Rice
- Round 7, Pick 231: Matt Goncalves, OT, Pittsburgh