Pats 2024 Draft Recap: What Is Next For The Patriots?
The 2024 NFL Draft is over, and the New England Patriots have charted their course for the future of the franchise under Elliot Wolfe and Jerod Mayo. The team clearly identified the offense as a point of emphasis in this draft, using seven out of their eight picks on that side of the ball. This should be exciting for fans, and this is why….
The Patriots selected DRAKE MAYE with the third overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Some fans are ecstatic, some are disappointed, but it’s hard not to be interested in what the future holds for this offense.
Maye profiles as a hybrid modern and old-school style quarterback. He is not a traditional pocket passer, but has many of the physical traits that you would expect to see from an old-school QB. Maye also possesses one of the strongest arms in this draft, which should help him force the ball down the field in the Foxboro winters.
There will be much discussion surrounding which week Drake Maye should take over for Jacoby Brissett (if in 2024 at all). The team is widely looked at as devoid of top end talent. Based on the lack of supplementary offensive talent in New England, there is certainly an argument to be made that Maye should not play in year one. This immediately brings up the possibility of the Patriots making a trade for a top receiver.
The San Francisco 49ers selected wide receiver Ricky Pearsall in the 1st round, leaving the door open for the possibility of Brandon Aiyuk being moved before or during the season.
The Patriots also added two wide receivers: Jalynn Polk (Washington) and Javon Baker (UCF).
While Polk wasn’t the biggest weapon in Washington’s offense, he certainly is an intriguing prospect. To me, Polk seems like a direct replacement for the departing Devante Parker.
Baker on the other hand, profiles as a dynamic deep-threat, with the highest yards per reception of any draft-eligible receiver.
The Green Bay Packers organizational philosophy has clearly influenced GM Elliot Wolfe’s personal strategy during this draft.
Later in the draft, the Patriots took a second quarterback. Joe Milton III is a dominant and athlete and an interesting prospect at the quarterback position. Drake Maye has a great build for the position, but Milton is built like a Greek statue. At 6’5” and 236 pounds, Milton is a physical specimen. It will be interesting to see which of the 5 quarterbacks will make the 53 man roster late this summer.
Overall, I feel VERY good about how the Patriots approached this draft. It is hard to say whether or not the Patriots picked the right players, but I am glad that the team is addressing it’s obvious needs through the draft.
