It’s a new era for the New England Patriots.
For the first time since 2000, neither Bill Belichick or Tom Brady are members of the Patriots’ organization and the franchise is looking to turn the page to the Jerod Mayo era in the head coach’s first season at the helm.
Conventional wisdom suggests that the Patriots would take the best-remaining quarterback on the board, with the No. 3 overall pick in this month’s 2024 NFL Draft after the Chicago Bears and Washington Commanders mine the quarterbacks of their choosing.
However, that’s not the tact one prominent NFL analyst suggests the Patriots take with their top-five selection.
What New England Patriots ‘Should’ Do With No. 3 Pick
NFL Media analyst Adam Rank believes not only that the Patriots should stand pat, resisting the urge to trade back with a team such as the Minnesota Vikings, New York Giants, or Las Vegas Raiders, but should also avoid the temptation to take a quarterback.
Rank suggests the Patriots should take Ohio State generational wide receiver prospect Marvin Harrison Jr.
“You’re in even worse shape than the Commanders, despite picking behind them,” Rank writes of the Patriots for NFL.com. “Don’t reach for the quarterback here. I know you did pretty well with a Michigan man under center in the past, but that kind of thing never works a second time.
“Did you not even see Independence Day: Resurgence? Do NOT double down. Trade this pick if you can. Get the haul before the Cardinals do. If not, you can take Marvin Harrison Jr. And hey, given how many fits his father gave you, this could provide some catharsis.”
There’s a reason Harrison Jr. is the most coveted receiver in this year’s draft, after the former Buckeyes standout caught 115 passes for 2,613 yards with 31 touchdowns across three collegiate seasons.
However, it might not be the wisest decision for the Patriots to take him at No. 3.
Harrison would move the ball forward on the Patriots offense being more rookie-quarterback friendly in 2025. But, it’s hard to imagine New England feeling optimistic about entering next season with Jacoby Brissett, Bailey Zappe, or a second-round pick such as Bo Nix or Michael Penix Jr. — if either slide that far, during the upcoming 2024 season.
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