Patriots reporters address dilemma between trading down in draft, selecting quarterback

New England Patriots reporters Chris Mason and Mark Daniels of MassLive currently aren't buying what certain individuals are selling regarding the club potentially moving down in the 2024 NFL Draft order from overall pick No. 3. 

"I think the Patriots are set on taking a quarterback at No. 3," Mason wrote for a mailbag published on Friday. "Beyond New England’s current internal plans, because of kids staying in school due to [name, image and likeness] money, this is a particularly top-heavy draft. Teams will try harder to hang onto their picks in the first three rounds accordingly. As such, a Godfather-style offer would likely have a lot of picks in future drafts, which might be less appealing to [de facto Patriots general manager Eliot Wolf] and company." 

Multiple knowledgeable individuals previously reported that Wolf "wants to accumulate draft capital and build up the roster" and, thus, could "stockpile draft picks" by moving out of the third overall choice. Such takes were shared, it should be noted, before the Patriots came to an agreement to make veteran Jacoby Brissett a bridge option at quarterback and before the club shipped 2023 Week 1 starter Mac Jones to the Jacksonville Jaguars. 

Additionally, Mason predicted there's only a "29%" chance that backup Bailey Zappe makes New England's final 53-man roster later this summer. 

The Minnesota Vikings repeatedly have been mentioned as a candidate to move up from pick No. 11 overall into at least the top five selections and Minnesota seemingly is preparing to make such a splash. Additionally, the New York Giants could offer New England the sixth overall pick this year along with three second-round choices in exchange for the third selection. 

Daniels instead believes the Patriots must grab either North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Drake Maye or LSU Tigers signal-caller Jayden Daniels at pick No. 3. The Washington Commanders are expected to take one of those prospects at No. 2 overall, assuming the Chicago Bears make USC Trojans star Caleb Williams the draft's first pick as is consensus.

"With Brissett in place, it means the Patriots wouldn’t have to start Maye or [Jayden] Daniels," Daniels explained. "They could let that rookie sit for a year and patiently build their team around their young quarterback. Trading down in the 2024 draft would fill several holes and might answer a few questions. In the end, it could leave a hole at the most important position. That’s why Wolf should stand pat." 

NESN's Jason Ounpraseuth suggested on Friday that the Patriots should ask the Vikings for star wide receiver Justin Jefferson in a trade with Jefferson possibly a year away from free agency. There's no indication Minnesota would part ways with Jefferson if they can't get Williams in this year's draft and landing the 24-year-old wouldn't impact New England's search for a long-term replacement for Tom Brady following Brady's departure after the 2019 season.