The New England Patriots have one of their biggest decisions to make since Tom Brady’s departure this draft. They have to choose if they will draft a top quarterback prospect with their 3rd overall pick, or look to the free agent market. Only one analyst has said they should stick with Mac Jones for next season. It appears now that they will certainly draft a quarterback with their pick to be the cornerstone of the franchise for years to come.
Field Yates Says The New England Patriots Need To Draft A Quarterback
Mike Reiss reported earlier on Thursday sharing comments that ESPN insider Field Yates made about the Patriots and what they need to do in this years draft. He gave a long overview about how it would be a crucial mistake to move down in the draft instead of taking the best quarterback available at the third overall pick. They will likely get either Drake Maye or Jayden Daniels who are both elite prospects that can turn a franchise around.
“There’s no consolation prize for the Patriots at pick 3. These guys are all so different that no matter which quarterback is available there for the Patriots, I believe any of those 3 are the kind of building-block players that you can spend a decade with and they can become the centerpiece of what the Patriots hope is a new arc of winning again.
The New England Patriots are an unknown for the first time in almost a quarter century as they will have an entirely new culture and coaching staff for the first time in 25 years. It would be appropriate for the team to bring in a top quarterback prospect in hopes of completing a rebuild.
The New England Patriots Need A Quarterback
Yates continued by highlighting the drastic need the New England Patriots have for a quarterback. While there are a few voices saying the team should keep Mac Jones for the next season and surround him with talent, it is highly unlikely they continue with him after four up and mostly down seasons.
“Given the desperate need at quarterback there, my mentality would be the opportunity cost. If you don’t take one now, and you get a nominal upgrade in free agency that might push you to the eighth or 10th pick in the draft next year, do the same exercise right now. If the Patriots trade down from pick 3 to pick 8 or 11, it’s going to cost the acquiring team a boatload.”
“If you’re the Patriots, and you don’t take one of these quarterbacks now – and now you’re picking 10th or 11th next year – are you willing to pay the full freight a year from now? Because it’s just really hard to find quarterbacks in the draft that end up going 10th, 11th, 12th that are worth a first-round pick. Usually those guys are pushed up the board artificially.” (question via James Holyoak, Hoffa Sports)
We will have to see if the Patriots make a move for one of the free agent quarterbacks ahead of the draft, but even if they do, it is still likely that they take a quarterback with their first round selection.