6:57PM: It was definitely correct to name this case murky. After stories earlier at this time appeared to point that New England would keep on with their No. 3 general choose and maybe discover choices apart from quarterback, newer stories from the primary day of the NFL annual homeowners conferences see Mayo muddying the waters, in response to Mike Reiss of ESPN.
“Clearly, quarterback is certainly a precedence,” Mayo instructed the media. “With that being mentioned, we’re nonetheless open to any sort of offers that come our approach. We’re very far (into) the method, however we nonetheless have an extended strategy to go. Positively really feel like we have now time to essentially nail down our prospects in who we’re going to go after.”
Patriots director of scouting Eliot Wolf echoed these sentiments, claiming that their resolution will consider how they’ve the accessible gamers ranked and what potential commerce affords are available. The favored opinion is that New England will nonetheless goal to pursue a passer at No. 3, but when some insane commerce supply is available in, the staff is prepared to pay attention.
2:11PM: It’s broadly assumed across the league the Bears and Commanders will use the highest two alternatives in April’s draft on quarterbacks. The most recent developments in each circumstances reinforce that notion, however the scenario may very well be murkier with respect to the Patriots.
New England owns the No. 3 choose, and with Mac Jones now not within the fold the staff is want of a quarterback addition. Veteran Jacoby Brissett was introduced again to probably function a bridge starter, however a long-term funding underneath middle would come as no shock. When requested in regards to the staff’s place, although, rookie head coach Jerod Mayo cautioned the Patriots should not absolutely dedicated to utilizing their high choice on a passer.
“It’s the precedence proper now,” Mayo mentioned in an interview with NFL Community’s Steve Wyche. “However with that being mentioned, you must actually be in love with the man to take him at No. 3. So actually all of the choices are nonetheless open for us.”
New England will doubtless be left with one member of the Caleb Williams–Jayden Daniels–Drake Maye trio if the staff stays put on the third slot. The Patriots will not be bought on the latter, one thing which might develop into more and more related if he finds himself as the highest passer on the board with New England on the clock and suitors prepared to maneuver up the order. A commerce out of the No. 3 place would however come as a shock, nevertheless.
ESPN’s Dan Graziano notes confidence grew in the course of the Mix that New England would flip down the chance to maneuver again and as an alternative use the third general choose on a signal-caller. As detailed by Graziano’s colleague Mike Reiss, the Patriots have been among the many groups closely within the Professional Days of the 2024 class’ high quarterbacks, one thing which can proceed this coming week. Indicators due to this fact proceed to level to a rookie being added, though the presence of Brissett means even a first-round choice might not begin immediately.
“To get him again within the constructing is certainly useful for us,” Mayo mentioned of the latter. “And truthfully, look, he might completely be our starter this 12 months. We’ll should see. Like I mentioned, we’re not lifeless set at taking a quarterback at No. 3, however we do really feel good having a man like Jacoby able to go.”
New England at present owns seven picks apart from No. 3, together with the thirty fourth general choice. The staff might have the prospect so as to add a second-tier QB because of this, and with the fourth and fifth picks recognized to be accessible a bidding battle might develop amongst trade-up candidates. The Patriots’ actions can be value watching carefully because the draft attracts nearer.