Kendrick Bourne discusses Patriots' options for rookie QB

Many expect the New England Patriots will spend the third pick of the 2024 NFL Draft on North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Drake Maye, Michigan Wolverines signal-caller J.J. McCarthy or LSU Tigers starting QB Jayden Daniels. 

As shared by Jason Ounpraseuth of NESN, Patriots wide receiver Kendrick Bourne suggested during a recent appearance on "The Money Down" podcast that he likes how some have compared Maye to Buffalo Bills star QB Josh Allen. 

"I’ve been big Jayden, but after watching Drake — I haven’t really watched J.J. — they’ve been giving him the Josh Allen comparison," Bourne said about Maye. "He is 6-foot-4, 225. He got that build. He got that structure to handle — I thought he was like 6-foot-2, maybe 200. Nah, they say he 6-foot-4, 225, like big dog. He got something to him."

The upcoming draft continues to produce more questions than answers other than the fact that just about everybody believes the Chicago Bears will select USC Trojans quarterback Caleb Williams first overall. 

Daniels no longer seems to be a lock to go to the Washington Commanders via the second pick, as some think Washington will instead go with McCarthy. 

The Patriots may or may not prefer Maye over both Daniels and McCarthy depending on the latest report regarding the matter. 

Meanwhile, Bourne did well to avoid attaching himself to any would-be rookie considering it's unknown who will be off the board when the Patriots are called to use the draft's third selection. 

"I’m in between, bro," Bourne said during the podcast. "I’m really in between. J.J., too. He got that winning mentality. He’s been through the hard work. [Head coach Jim Harbaugh], Michigan, he just got that mentality. I’m excited, bro, and just accepting whoever comes in, building that relationship immediately." 

Depending on who is and isn't available, New England could trade out of the third selection, acquire assets needed for its rebuild and still leave the first round with a rookie quarterback such as Michael Penix Jr. of the Washington Huskies. 

On Wednesday, NFL insider Jason La Canfora of The Washington Post revealed that general managers and agents he spoke with are "convinced the Patriots, who hold the third pick, are open to trading down."