As we inch closer to the 2024 NFL Draft, perhaps the most intriguing selection of the first round rests with the New England Patriots third overall pick.
The Decision Plaguing the New England Patriots at Third Overall
With most analysts, scouts, and draft insiders assuming the Chicago Bears and Washington Commanders lock in the Caleb Williams/Drake Maye tandem at the first two picks, the draft then truly begins at the pick thereafter.
One would assume with the Patriots’ roster construction and team needs, LSU quarterback, Jayden Daniels, would be the most obvious direction Robert Kraft and co. chose with their selection.
However, with the outlook of the rest of the offensive roster and changing coaching staff, there may be a more ideal selection to make with this pick and one that could guarantee a blue-chip talent for the next five years.
Marvin Harrison Jr. looks to be just that, and someone who could provide a foundational piece for this Patriots’ offense, even if it requires one year of transition at the quarterback position.
Marvin Harrison Jr. Tools and Prospect Profile
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) toward the end zone during the second half of Saturday’s NCAA Division I football game against the University of Michigan.
The draft community, in general, is certainly able to appreciate the promise of a prospect like Harrison. We haven’t necessarily seen a wide receiver prospect like him in almost a decade. I’m usually against the overuse of the term “generational” when describing a prospect, but if anyone deserves to be touted this name, it’s Harrison.
His route running and timing, precision, physicality, separation, and release packages are all off the charts. For someone his size, he’s able to utilize leverage in a way that no other receiver in this class comes close to. Because of that, he possesses the tools to become a true “Alpha” the day he steps foot in the league.
Additionally, his ability to high-point the ball at the catch point will also be some of the best in the NFL as soon as he’s drafted. His hands, to pair with this trait, are consistent and reliable, with seven drops in the last two full seasons. Three of these came in one game (Week 7, Purdue).
Marvin Harrison Jr vs. Potential Quarterback Selections
Aside from the attributes and accolades we all are well aware Harrison brings to the table, why should the New England Patriots then, select him instead of a top quarterback, which remains a surefire need?
For me, it comes down to the pairing this team would hypothetically receive with not only the third pick, but their second-rounder as well at pick No. 34.
In a scenario where New England elects to go with a quarterback at third overall – let’s assume this is Daniels – they are left with the likes of Keon Coleman, Xavier Legette, or Ricky Pearsall, depending on how the board shakes out, of course.
On the other hand, selecting Harrison with the third overall pick puts the Patriots in a position to take a quarterback at the top of the second round, which could very well be Washington’s Michael Penix Jr.
Ultimately, New England’s evaluation of quarterbacks ranked 3-5 on their boards determines their willingness to let one of these players slide and take Harrison instead.
This is something that I’d not only be willing to do but would encourage the Patriots front office to heavily consider, as the gap between Harrison and the receivers you’d see in the second round is vast compared to that of Daniels and Penix, in my eyes.
Not to mention, we’ve seen what placing a rookie quarterback into an offense that is, quite frankly, in shambles can do to his development (i.e. Zach Wilson). I wouldn’t call installing a new offensive coordinator and system paired with a disastrous offensive line and wide receiver rooms an environment to succeed for a rookie quarterback.
Additionally, the New England Patriots wouldn’t have to take a quarterback in this year’s draft anyway. Jacoby Brissett has proven that not only is he deserving of a starting job in 2024, but can be a fine option to bridge the gap between now and the 2025 quarterback class. Brissett ranked as the 12th highest-graded passer in his 416 dropbacks in 2022, per PFF, and the sixth highest-graded passer in the league in the two weeks he started for Cleveland in 2023.
All in all, give me the position player who demonstrates All-Pro potential the day he steps foot into the league, and allows those under him to slide into their natural roles in the offense, before forcing the QB3 of this class into a situation where he certainly isn’t positioned to thrive.
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