Draft analyst names 'home run' pick for Patriots at No. 3 overall

ESPN NFL Draft guru Mel Kiper Jr. is one of the many analysts who are convinced the Washington Commanders shouldn't think twice about making LSU Tigers quarterback Jayden Daniels the second pick of the 2024 NFL Draft assuming the Chicago Bears take USC Trojans star signal-caller Caleb Williams first overall. 

During a chat with NBC Sports Boston shared on Friday, Kiper explained why the New England Patriots should follow by selecting North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Drake Maye over J.J. McCarthy of the Michigan Wolverines with the draft's third overall pick if both Williams and Daniels are off the board. 

"I think the guy that has a chance to be great of those two is Maye," Kiper said about New England's draft dilemma, per Nick O'Malley of MassLive. "McCarthy could be solid -- not a bust. I think you look at it a little differently. If you wanna hit the home run, I think you take Drake Maye."

While Maye seemingly has become a polarizing prospect among analysts, the rise of McCarthy's draft stock has surprised many and even left some downright baffled. In a piece published Thursday, Nick Baumgardner of The Athletic noted that he thinks "there’s been far too much shade thrown at Maye this cycle — some of it possibly on purpose."

"He’s QB2 for me and has been for a bit," Baumgardner added about Maye. 

Much has been made about the Patriots possibly trading down in the draft order to acquire assets needed to bolster their roster after they finished the 2023 season at 4-13. Kiper acknowledged while speaking with NBC Sports Boston that New England's weaknesses at wide receiver and on its offensive line have to "be addressed" for the club to get the best out of any incoming rookie quarterback. 

Kiper repeatedly has insisted that Maye should sit during his rookie season so he can develop and learn about life in the NFL as a spectator. New England has both Jacoby Brissett and backup Bailey Zappe on the roster and new Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo shouldn't feel any pressure to play a first-year quarterback this fall considering Mayo has only held the job since January.