The New England Patriots appear likely to be in the market for a new quarterback. Neither Mac Jones nor Bailey Zappe have done much to inspire confidence. Consequently, the Patriots are in last in the AFC East and currently have the No. 3 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, and Jayden Daniels are widely considered to be the top prospects in this class, with all 3 favored to be top-10 picks. This means that the Patriots will likely be in a position to land one of these passers.
Cody Benjamin of CBS Sports recently outlined where each QB could end up. Benjamin has the Patriots landing Jayden Daniels in the first round. Regarding the pick, Benjamin said the following:
Most draft experts seem to agree there are three QBs likely to go at the top of the first round, with Daniels trailing Drake Maye and Caleb Williams. He is certainly the slightest of the trio at 6-foot-4 and 210 pounds, raising concerns about long-term durability. But his combo of deep-ball accuracy and effortless speed has CBS Sports expert Ryan Wilson likening him to Ravens star Lamar Jackson. His best path to success is perhaps an offense particularly tailored to his strengths.
Jayden Daniels dominated in the SEC in 2023
Daniels finished the 2023 season with 3,812 passing yards, 40 TDs, and just 4 INTs. The dual-threat QB also added 1,134 rushing yards and 10 scores on the ground. The impressive season resulted in Daniels winning the Heisman Trophy.
Patriot QBs have been dreadful in 2023
Through 11 games in 2023, Jones has 2,120 yards with 10 TDs and 12 INTs. Through parts of 9 games, Zappe has 1,184 yards with 6 TDs and 7 INTs. The result has been the Patriots ranking No. 32 in the league in points per game.