The New England Patriots need new solutions at quarterback, wide receiver and offensive tackle in the 2024 NFL Draft.
What if they could address all these problems in just Round 1? What if they could do it with players who were all teammates last season? What if they could do it at the school where Bill Belichick was just spotted?
They can, at least hypothetically. It would require a frenzy of trades bordering on pandemonium. That’s my goal in this mock draft as I put the University of Washington firmly in the crosshairs of the Patriots.
The school already has ties to the Patriots. It was the landing spot for the team’s former defensive play-caller, Steve Belichick. It’s also the spot where Bill Belichick was recently spotted wearing Huskies gear at practice. While he was out there, the elder Belichick helped out at a coaching clinic held by Washington coach Jedd Fisch, who was on the Patriots staff in 2020.
It’s the perfect storm of ties to New England and talent that fits the Patriots’ needs.
Is it likely? Nope. But no mock draft is. Let’s get crazy with some trades.
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NFL 2024 Mock Draft: Round 1 Projection 2.0
1. Chicago Bears (via Panthers) – Caleb Williams, QB, USC
QB1 goes No. 1. Next.
2. Commanders – Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
I think Daniels is going to be a stud. But let’s see if Washington can avoid destroying a potential franchise quarterback — like they did with Robert Griffin III 12 years ago.
TRADE: 3. Vikings (via Patriots) – J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan
It’s no secret that the Vikings are trying to move up. The Patriots may or may not bite. But let’s say in this scenario Minnesota gives New England a deal they love.
I’m going to propose the Patriots trade the No. 3 pick for No. 11, No. 23, a 2024 third-round pick and another pick in 2025 (either a first or second-rounder).
As for the pick, I think McCarthy has all the tools. He just needs to be molded. Sounds like a job for Vikings coach (and one-time Patriots QB draft pick) Kevin O’Connell.
TRADE: 4. Broncos – Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
Time will tell whether Maye pans out. But for whatever reason, he’s really lost steam in this draft class. I’m betting the Broncos and Raiders make competing bids to try and land the last of the top-tier quarterbacks available.
5. Chargers – Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State
The Chargers lost Mike Williams and traded away Keenan Allen. It would sure be nice if Harrison fell into their laps like this.
6. Giants – Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
From what I can tell, the gap between Nabers and Harrison is not a big one. The Giants would benefit from landing an elite WR talent.
7. Titans – Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame
Tennessee needs to build its foundation up. Picking the top offensive lineman in the class will help.
TRADE: 8. Patriots (via Falcons) – Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
Remember that third-round pick from the Patriots’ trade earlier? We’re dealing it to Atlanta to move up and get a true No. 1 receiver.
Odunze is an absolute stud. At 6-foot-3, 212 pounds, he has the size you look for. He’s not the fastest guy in the class, but his 4.45 speed is plenty effective. Where he’s really dangerous is with his route-running and ball-catching skills. His 6.88-second 3-cone drill at his size is bonkers.
The Patriots have long needed a true No. 1 receiver who can get open against top-level NFL cornerbacks and make big catches. Odunze is that guy. He’s worth giving up a little extra to get.
9. Bears – Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama
While the rest of the board goes crazy for offense, the Bears can sit back and take the top defender on the board.
10. Jets – Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
The Jets loaded up on offensive line help this offseason, leaving them free to add a talent like Bowers, who could help out Aaron Rodgers and the passing attack right away.
TRADE: 11. Falcons (via Patriots/Vikings) – Laiatu Latu, EDGE, UCLA
There were concerns about Latu’s medicals. But not much popped up since the combine. He’s a technician who should contribute early on.
TRADE: 12. Cardinals (via Broncos) – Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU
Thomas is 6-foor-3 and runs a 4.33 in the 40. He’s a bit raw, but the talent is undeniable.
13. Raiders – Quinton Mitchell, CB, Toledo
Mitchell has been flying up draft boards. If the Raiders don’t get a QB, I think they’ll get some solid value on defense here.
14. Saints – Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn State
Not a flashy pick, but a good one. The Saints get a tackle with a sky-high ceiling here.
15. Colts – Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa
DeJean is coming off a monster performance at his pro day. He should come off the board early.
16. Seahawks – Byron Murphy, DL, Texas
There’s something about game-wrecking defensive tackles and the NFC West.
17. Jaguars – Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State
The Jags don’t need to look far to find an awesome edge rusher. Verse was a menace in Tallahassee for the Seminoles.
18. Bengals – J.C. Latham, OT, Alabama
Another year, another offensive lineman mocked to the Bengals.
19. Rams – Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama
This cornerback class is low-key fantastic. Arnold seems like he’s been a little overlooked at points.
20. Steelers – Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State
The Steelers have their quarterback(s) with Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. Now they need to protect them.
21. Dolphins – Graham Barton, OL, Duke
Interior offensive line appears to be a glaring need in Miami. Barton can help them out wherever they need him.
22. Eagles – Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama
Just a rock-solid pick for great value here.
TRADE: 23. Patriots (via Vikings/Texans/Browns) – Troy Fautanu, OL, Washington
Here he is: Washington player No. 2.
Fautanu was brilliant for the Huskies at left tackle. However, there are questions about whether he’ll be a guard or tackle in the NFL. I’m banking on that uncertainty causing him to fall a little in favor of more clear-cut prospects.
Here’s the thing: The Patriots could use a new starter at either guard opposite Cole Strange or tackle opposite Mike Onwenu. Either way, Fautanu would be a welcome addition to the lineup.
Fautunu is an absolute brawler and tone-setter on the offensive line. The 1st-team All-American is the exact type of player the Patriots could use as they rebuild their offensive identity.
If he can hang at tackle in the NFL, that would be awesome and would fit a glaring need. If not, then Fautanu has the makings of a star at guard.
24. Cowboys – Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia
At 6-foot-8, 340 pounds, Mims has the frame to be a cornerstone tackle in the NFL.
25. Packers – Jer’Zhan Newton, DL, Illinois
Newton is a little undersized, but has the potential to be a game-wreaker at defensive tackle.
26. Buccaneers – Chop Robinson, EDGE, Penn State
Robinson wasn’t quite dominant as a pass rusher in college. But his physical traits are appealing (6-foot-3, 254 pounds with 4.48 speed).
27. Cardinals (via Texans) – Ennis Rakestraw Jr., CB, Missouri
Undersized, but scrappy, Rakestraw is a great value at the end of Round 1.
28. Buffalo Bills – Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas
With Stephon Diggs gone, the Bills need help at receiver. At 6-foot-2, 205 pounds and 4.34 speed, Mitchell fits the mold of a true No. 1.
29. Lions – Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas
The Lions have a No. 1 receiver in Amon-Ra St. Brown. But he’s more of a quick slot guy. Worthy, meanwhile, just broke the combine record by running a 4.21 in the 40. That would be a heck of a combo there.
30. Ravens – Jordan Morgan, OT, Arizona
The Ravens need O-line help and get a solid tackle to fall to them.
TRADE: 31. Patriots (via 49ers) – Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington
Here’s where the Patriots can complete the Washington trifecta, trading up from No. 34 to secure a quarterback in Round 1. The move would probably cost them a fourth-rounder (or a fifth/sixth combo). Moving into Round 1 would let the Patriots jump ahead of other QB-needy teams (like the Raiders) and opens the door for a fifth-year option onto the contract if he pans out.
As for the pick itself, Penix is one of the best pure passers in the class — and has one of the best arms. He helped fuel Washington’s run to the national championship game with his brilliant deep passing and excellent accuracy. He also showcased his athleticism at Washington’s pro day by running a 40 in the 4.5-second range.
Penix is athletic, highly praised as a leader and is a brilliant passer. So why is he projected to go so late?
Injuries are a major concern. Penix tore his right ACL twice in college. He also had two major shoulder injuries. That’s why he played six total seasons in college.
However, most of the damage came while Penix was playing at Indiana. Since transferring to Washington in 2022, Penix has stayed healthy. On top of that, The Athletic’s Bruce Feldman reports the Penix’s medical evaluations got a “thumbs up” at the scouting combine.
If Penix can stay healthy, he could this draft class’ dark horse. If not, then the Patriots will have rolled the dice without going all in.
32. Chiefs -Ladd McConkey, WR, Georgia
The Chiefs need a consistent receiver for Patrick Mahomes. McConkey is a popular pick here to provide that, but also a sensible one.
