Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

The New England Patriots’ legacy is inseparable from Tom Brady; it’s an undeniable truth.

Over two decades, Brady guided the team to six Super Bowl victories and nine appearances in the championship game, setting an unparalleled standard of success. His departure left Patriots fans and management yearning to maintain that level of excellence, a challenge they’ve struggled to meet since his departure.

Robert Kraft, the team’s owner, is adamant about not repeating past mistakes in the NFL Draft.

According to insights from Todd McShay, Kraft has emphasized the importance of securing a new quarterback in the first round, regardless of any potential trade-down scenarios.

Even if the Patriots opt to move from their current No. 3 pick, Kraft insists they do so only with a concrete plan to secure one of the top-tier quarterback prospects.

UNC standout Drake Maye has long been linked to the Patriots, but they’ve remained open to exploring other options for the right offer.

Rumors swirl about potential trade partners eyeing the third overall pick, notably the Minnesota Vikings and New York Giants, who are reportedly eager to leapfrog into that position. This leaves the Patriots with a selection of quarterbacks like J.J. McCarthy, Bo Nix, or Michael Penix Jr. should they trade down.

While these options might represent a slight drop-off, Kraft’s directive looms large, underscoring the team’s commitment to securing a new franchise quarterback.

It will be interesting to see what the Patriots decide to do in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft.

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