The New England Patriots could approach the 2024 NFL Draft in many different ways. This time of year is famous for the many different opinions and mock drafts. A recent mock draft from Lance Zierlein, an NFL Draft analyst, had the Patriots making a different move than expected. Many people believe New England will stay at third overall and select their quarterback of the future, but Zierlein believes differently. In his most recent mock draft, he has them trading back to pick number six and selecting star LSU receiver Malik Nabers.
Nabers is the definition of a game changer. Some people have even said he should be the top receiver in this Draft over Marvin Harrison Jr. Nabers has elite speed and is incredibly strong, which is exactly what teams look for in a top receiver. The LSU star absolutely dominated the SEC in 2023 and showed why he should be a top-ten pick in April. Just turn on his film for a couple of plays, and it is obvious how much of a difference-maker he can be.
Patriots fans could become very excited about the potential of a star playmaker like Nabers, but the question remains, will they pass on a quarterback? In Zierlein’s mock draft, he has New England trading back to pick six from where they are at third overall. If this is the case, it would either mean the Patriots aren’t high on whatever quarterback is available at three, or they received an incredible offer from the Giants. This would have to include multiple first-round picks. Regardless of what New England receives in a trade, could they justify selecting a receiver with so many holes on the offensive side of the ball? Only time will tell.
Will the Patriots really pass on the most important position in football?
The Patriots have a huge hole at the most important position in football, quarterback. They have Jacoby Brissett, who could be a great mentor to a rookie quarterback, but he isn’t a true starting caliber player, and Bailey Zappe, who has shown he can’t be a starter in the NFL. With such a huge need at the quarterback position, it is hard to believe a rebuilding team like the Patriots, will pass on such a great quarterback draft class.
Many fans could get excited about a star receiver such as Malik Nabers, but with nobody to get him the ball, it will be difficult to see him succeed. Overall, there is a very small chance New England passes on their potential quarterback savior, which is very good news for the Foxborough Faithful.