Patriots: Who Should New England Take With the No. 3 Pick in the 2024 NFL Draft?

(Photo : Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) ARLINGTON, TX - The New England Patriots logo is seen on a video board during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas.

The New England Patriots are headed for a crucial offseason that will shape their franchise's trajectory in the upcoming years.

The future of longtime head coach Bill Belichick with the team hangs in the balance, especially given the team's struggles in the seasons following Tom Brady's departure in 2020.

Complicating matters is the uncertainty surrounding starting quarterback Mac Jones, who has encountered on-field struggles, adding another layer of doubt about his future with the team.

Amidst the season's difficulties, a glimmer of hope emerges with the Patriots securing the third overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. This presents a valuable opportunity for the team to acquire a potentially generational talent and address key areas of need to be competitive again.

Who Should New England Patriots Take With the No. 3 Pick in the 2024 NFL Draft?

This year's draft presents numerous elite quarterback options, featuring standout talents such as USC Trojans' Caleb Williams, North Carolina Tar Heels' Drake Maye, and LSU Tigers' Jayden Daniels.

Forecasts anticipate that Williams and Maye will likely be the top two picks in the draft.

However, there's speculation that the Chicago Bears, currently holding the first overall pick, might explore trading down due to having a perceived franchise quarterback in Justin Fields. Regardless of potential trade scenarios, the team making the first selection is expected to choose Williams.

If the mock drafts prove accurate, the Patriots are poised to secure Jayden Daniels, the 2023 Heisman Trophy recipient, which appears to be a sound selection.

Daniels already announced his intentions to enter the 2024 NFL Draft, and he might be the perfect piece for the Pats as they rebuild their way back to winning ways.

Jayden Daniels is a decorated player

The 23-year-old signal caller, who began his college football career with the Arizona State Sun Devils for three seasons before transferring to the Louisiana State University Tigers for his final two years, has garnered numerous individual accolades this year in addition to the Heisman Trophy.

His impressive awards include the Walter Camp Award, AP College Football Player of the Year, Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, Davey O'Brien Award, and the SN Player of the Year. He also secured the 2023 SEC Offensive Player of the Year award.

Jayden Daniels' dual-threat could greatly help the Patriots

In the 2023 season, Daniels excelled both as a passer and runner. He threw for 3,812 yards and 40 touchdowns with only four interceptions, ranking among the top quarterbacks in the FBS.

Additionally, Daniels rushed for 1,134 yards and 10 touchdowns, leading the FBS with an average of 8.4 yards per carry.

He led the Tigers to a 10-3 record for the season, winning the 2024 ReliaQuest Bowl on New Year's Day over the Wisconsin Badgers with a narrow score of 35-31.