The Super Bowl is finally behind us, which means the 2024 NFL draft countdown has begun. With all things considered, the upcoming draft for the Patriots could be franchise-altering. In the last few seasons, the Patriots have decided to draft a surplus of defensive prospects in the early rounds of the draft. However, the Patriots haven’t had the success they would like when it comes to drafting offensive talent.
This year that could change. The quarterback talent is impressive, with the likes of Caleb Williams (USC), Drake Maye (UNC), Jayden Daniels (LSU), and Michael Penix (Washington). All four of those players are seen as potential first-round draft picks. And at least two of the quarterbacks listed above will be available when the Patriots are on the clock with the third overall pick.
Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo has nearly filled out his coaching staff for the upcoming season, and we’re less than one month away from free agency. Mayo has a monumental job on his hands, with the Patriots forgoing the hiring of a general manager. As of today, here are the Patriots current selections:
Round 1: Pick 3
Round 2: Pick 34
Round 3: Pick 68
Round 4: Pick 103
Round 5: Pick 135
Round 6: Pick 181
Round 7 (via Chicago Bears): Pick 228
With all that being said, it’s time for The Patriot’s Beat first mock draft of the 2024 off-season.
No. 3 overall – Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
The Washington Commanders, who have the second overall pick, recently hired Kliff Kingsbury as their offensive coordinator. Kingsbury coached at USC, where Caleb Williams attended. There’s been a tremendous amount of speculation about Williams and the Commanders. In addition to the connection between Kingsbury and Williams, the former Heisman quarterback is also a DC native and attended Gonzaga High School. It’s been reported that the Bears are interested in Justin Fields as their quarterback, which means they will likely draft Ohio State receiver Marvin Harrison first overall. However, it’s a risky move, and the Bears and Commanders could also decide to swap picks, so Washington is guaranteed Williams. Either way, I’m predicting Marvin Harrison and Caleb Williams to be off the board when the Patriots draft at three.
With that being said, I have the Patriots selecting LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels with their third overall pick. Daniels saw his draft stock skyrocket after a terrific senior year in which he was awarded the 2024 Heisman trophy. Daniels threw for 40 touchdowns and recorded 1,230 rushing yards. One of the best dual-threat quarterbacks, Daniels utilizes his legs and arm talent at an elite level. The Patriots are re-building their offense, and you need a young quarterback to start. Although Drake Maye would likely be available, I see Daniels fitting better with the Patriots. Of course, his game has some flaws, including his ability to maneuver in the pocket and his throwing mechanics. Daniels will add explosiveness to an offense that has lacked a premier quarterback since Tom Brady left in 2019.
No. 34 overall – Roman Wilson, WR, Michigan
The Patriots take another offensive player, this time drafting wide-out Roman Wilson. The 2023 NCAA champion was a dark-house candidate and projected to go in the later rounds of the draft, but once he performed at the Senior Bowl, his draft stock skyrocketed. Wilson, who hails from Hawaii, was a four-star recruit but wasn’t a full-time starter for Michigan until last year. He led the Wolverines in receptions (48), receiving yards (789), and touchdowns (12). However, since Michigan’s offense was so run-heavy last year, there’s a question mark on whether Wilson will become an impact receiver in the NFL. In addition, he only faced a little double coverage last year and has a smaller frame. On the flip side, he has fantastic speed, clocking in at a 4.37 40-yard dash four years ago. Wilson would primarily play in the slot for the Patriots if New England decided to draft the Michigan product.
No. 68 overall – DJ James, DB, Auburn
The Patriots will take their first defensive player in the third round, selecting veteran cornerback D.J. James. The Auburn product is an experienced cornerback who also spent time at Oregon, tallying 32 games and 70 tackles while totaling two interceptions. He overlapped at Oregon with Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez. James is an impressive long outside athlete in man and zone schemes. In Zone, he has great vision, identifying routes, and in the Man, he uses his quick feet to control receivers off the line of scrimmage. James can also be utilized in the box and is a sufficient run defender. James projects as an off-man and Cover-3 zone cover corner in the NFL. This allows him to protect the vertical/deep portions of the field and keep his eyes on the action in front of him to trigger downhill.
No. 103 overall – Delmar Glaze, OT, Maryland
In the fourth round of the 2024 draft, I have the Patriots selecting a tackle. Glaze was a former three-star recruit out of high school. He’s a versatile lineman with experience playing both tackle spots. The Maryland product has tallied 32 starts at Maryland. Glaze is an intriguing prospect who shined at the Senior Bowl against top-tier talent. His short-area quickness and ability to climb to the second level are impressive, and he’s not a liability in past protection. Although he still needs some work as a run-blocker, he’s an NFL-ready lineman who could even be off the board by the fourth round.
No. 135 overall – Jalyen Wright, RB, Tennesse
Another addition to the Patriot’s offense, but this time, Jerod Mayo selects a running back. With Ezekiel Elliott a free agent this offseason, there isn’t much depth in the Patriots RB room. Wright is one of the more talented backs in the class, with his elite speed and sufficient ball security. The Tennessee running back can add elite speed to the Patriots. On the flip side, Wright’s vision and pass-blocking will need some work if he wants to earn adequate playing time in the Patriot’s offense.
No. 181 overall – Sione Vaki, S, Utah
Utah’s Sione Vaki is one of the most exciting prospects in the upcoming draft. The safety/running back/receiver can do it all. The Swiss army knife is highly dynamic and showed up his unique skill set at the Senior Bowl. Last season, as a safety, Vaki registered 90 tackles with two sacks and an interception. On the offensive side of the ball, he ran for 317 yards on 42 attempts, recording three touchdowns. In addition, as a wide-out, he caught 11 catches for 203 yards and added three scores. Vaki also has experience on special teams. It’s important to note that Vaki only played two seasons of college football because he served on a Mormon mission two years ago. If the Patriots draft Vaki, I’d expect the team to use him on special teams and as a rotational defender.
No. 228 overall – Will Reichard, K, Alabama
Well, for the second-straight year, the Patriots are using one of their draft picks on a kicker—this time in the seventh round—with the Patriots drafting Alabama kicker Will Reichard. Reichard is viewed as one of the best kickers in college football. Last season, he was awarded First-Team All-SEC. Additionally, last year, he became the NCAA’s all-time scoring leader after 82 FGs and 293 extra points across five seasons at Alabama. In 2023, the veteran went 5-for-5 on FGs from 50+ yards and hit 88% of all his field goal attempts. Chad Ryland’s time in New England could be coming to an end after one season.
My name is Ben Belford-Peltzman and I am the creator and writer of The Patriots Beat. I am a 17-year kid who is an optimistic pessimist about the City of Champions. I started The Patriots Beat in August of 2022 and never expected to grow so much but here we are. Feel free to email Thepatriotsbeat@gmail.com with any inquires.
