Three day out check-in

[Eddie Jurak]

Quick check in:
1. Who do you want the Pats to take at 3 (first choice)?
2. Who do you want to take at 3 (second choice)?
3. Who do you expect them to take at 3?
4. How do you feel about what they actiually did?

My answers:
1. Drake Maye, without hesition.
2. Trade down.
3. Jayden Daniels (I expect Maye to go at #2).
4. DIsappointed. I really want Maye and I am not sold on Daniels or McCarthy as being worth the #3. I also think trading down is a better option than drafting a WR or T at 3, if the haul is big enough. But I think I'd rather draft the best available WR or T at 3 than draft Daniels or McCarthy. I'm probably grossly underrating Daniels because of the high sack rate under pressure and the reports that he is a straight line runner only, but I think that is who we all draft and I am not thrilled about it.

 

[ManhattanRedSox]

I voted draft best available WR, even though I mostly agree with your analysis. In mocks I've been playing with, assuming that Williams goes in 1 or 2 (which happens in most cases), I sometimes wonder if it is good to load up on skill positions like WR/OT/TE/RB/CB/EDGE and give them a year of seasoning in the NFL and bring in a rookie next year to play with that battle tested staff familiar with the new coaching staff play system around him.
Edit to fully address the post:

1) MHJr
2) Maye
3) Daniels
4) Disappointed for exactly the reasons stated by @CPT Neuron

 

[tims4wins]

1. Maye
2. Trade down
3. Maye
4. Excited

 

[CPT Neuron]

1. MHJ
2. Trade Down
3. Trade Down
4. Calm

I think WFT takes Maye and I want no part of Daniels - in my eyes/mid he is a smaller, more frail version of Robinson (the kid the Colts took), and there is no way he survives the NFL wear and tear.

 

[bsj]

Daniels
Maye

(Big gap)

Trade Down

(Big gap)


McCarthy

 

[FelixMantilla]

Trade down. Maye isn't going to help for a while, if ever. Need more picks.

 

[NextBigThing8184]

I voted draft best available WR, even though I mostly agree with your analysis. In mocks I've been playing with, assuming that Williams goes in 1 or 2 (which happens in most cases), I sometimes wonder if it is good to load up on skill positions like WR/OT/TE/RB/CB/EDGE and give them a year of seasoning in the NFL and bring in a rookie next year to play with that battle tested staff familiar with the new coaching staff play system around him.

If they’re not in a position to take a QB next year, are you ok punting 2 straight years of not grabbing a potential starter and rolling with Brissett/Zappe until 2026 or 2027?

 

[ManhattanRedSox]

If they’re not in a position to take a QB next year, are you ok punting 2 straight years of not grabbing a potential starter and rolling with Brissett/Zappe until 2026 or 2027?

I'm thinking they will be in a position to grab a QB in round 1 next year, because I think this rebuild will take some time, and I think the Pats are drafting in the top 10 next year. I wouldn't be comfortable rolling with those two until 2027, but I am happy to have them drive this year - and they may very well do so (for a part of the season anyway) even if the Pats draft Maye/Daniels

 

[NoXInNixon]

I'm thinking they will be in a position to grab a QB in round 1 next year, because I think this rebuild will take some time, and I think the Pats are drafting in the top 10 next year. I wouldn't be comfortable rolling with those two until 2027, but I am happy to have them drive this year - and they may very well do so (for a part of the season anyway) even if the Pats draft Maye/Daniels

The problem with taking a QB in the top 10 is that it puts a lot of pressure to start him right away, and I think history is a strong indicator that the best thing for a young QB's future is to let him redshirt for a year. So trade down, pick a QB in the late first or early second, and use the bounty of picks to fill in as many holes in the roster as possible. Expect to be terrible next year and use your top 10 pick next year on the best player available.

I hope the Patriots don't think this will be a short rebuild.

 

[tims4wins]

The problem with taking a QB in the top 10 is that it puts a lot of pressure to start him right away, and I think history is a strong indicator that the best thing for a young QB's future is to let him redshirt for a year. So trade down, pick a QB in the late first or early second, and use the bounty of picks to fill in as many holes in the roster as possible. Expect to be terrible next year and use your top 10 pick next year on the best player available.

I hope the Patriots don't think this will be a short rebuild.

I disagree with nearly every word of this. Almost all top rookie QBs are now starting from day 1. Also, this could easily be a short rebuild. The defense is already in place. They need a few pieces on the line and in the WR room aside from the obvious QB issue, but this could easily be a Houston turnaround situation if things go right. The Bengals went to the Super Bowl in year 2 under Burrow.

 

[ManhattanRedSox]

The problem with taking a QB in the top 10 is that it puts a lot of pressure to start him right away, and I think history is a strong indicator that the best thing for a young QB's future is to let him redshirt for a year. So trade down, pick a QB in the late first or early second, and use the bounty of picks to fill in as many holes in the roster as possible. Expect to be terrible next year and use your top 10 pick next year on the best player available.

I hope the Patriots don't think this will be a short rebuild.

Agree, mostly, but hate passing on what could be a cornerstone offensive playmaker in MHJr, and getting an OT in the second. Have them both play at the highest level this year. Then next year, if you are in the top 10, you can choose between another WR (like MHJr teammate Egbuka, or Lovett from UGA), and the grab a QB in round 2 like the kid from Indiana or Miami. Purposefully leaving Sanders out of the discussion because Deion already stated he doesn't want Shedur going anywhere cold.

 

[Ferm Sheller]

1. Maye
2. Daniels
3. Maye
4. Pleased, but with the caveat that the pick, like all picks, could turn out to be a total bust.

I know I'm gonna be some pissed though if they trade down and end up with Isaiah Wynn, N'Keal Harry and a busted/average player in next year's draft while Daniels/Maye lights the world on fire with the Vikings (or whoever the Pats trade with). Don't trade unless it's an offer that's too good to pass up (and the Vikes's two 1st round picks this year and first rounder next year isn't enough).

After three four years of mostly lousy QB play, I'm ready to take (another) swing on a top QB prospect. They lost a game last year 6-0 ferchissakes.

 

[DJnVa]

Quick check in:
1. Who do you want the Pats to take at 3 (first choice)? MAYE
2. Who do you want to take at 3 (second choice)? DANIELS
3. Who do you expect them to take at 3? MAYE
4. How do you feel about what they actually did? Awesome, because, for now, I'm believing the rumors that Daniels is going #2.

On a scale of 1-10, I'll be:

Maye: 10
Daniels: 8
McCarthy (at #3): 5
McCarthy (after tradedown): 7
MHJ: 6

 

[Cellar-Door]

Maye
Trade down
Maye

To crib DJnVA...
Maye- 10
Tradedown- 7
Daniels- 6
McCarthy-4
Any other player- 0

 

[Rico Guapo]

Quick check in:
1. Maye
2. Trade down unless they love Daniels
3. Maye
4. Thrilled if they can get Maye, would also be happy with a trade down depending on the return.

I initially voted for Daniels in the main thread but as some more knowledgeable posters here have brought up, there are concerns with his processing if he has to move off his first read or utilize the middle of the field, plus he had elite talent at WR around him at LSU. I think the ceiling is higher for Maye and I'm encouraged by the fact that he had to play with a questionable OL and lackluster talent at WR this past season, particularly compared to other top QB prospects in this draft. I forget which podcast brought it up but Maye has had to face "football adversity" and they also highlighted how that was one of the biggest issues with Mac, he never got punched in the mouth at Alabama, and it showed when he started playing on Sunday. That said I think you have to sit Maye for the first half of 2024, if not the enite season, as there are footwork issues to iron out and his accuracy needs to improve.

 

[Ale Xander]

1. Trade down or Daniels
2. Daniels or Trade down or Maye
3. Maye
4. TBD

 

[DJnVa]

To steal from NFL Draft pod on The Ringer,

About Daniels: "When things break down, he either cuts and runs or gets sacked. More than any other QB I've ever tracked. That said, he's really good at running, so there's a realistic timeline where Daniels comes in and is amazing right away. But there's also a world where he's Justin Fields, except 3 years older when he entered the league."

About Maye: "He absolutely has accuracy issues on shorter passes. But everything else--big time throws, ADOT, throws to covered receivers--is really, really good. Rather have that as a starting point, than the other way around. And he's just 21."

 

[BigJimEd]

Also, this could easily be a short rebuild.

Yes, this is the NFL. I can see if you don't like the QB but to say you aren't competing for a long time is foolish.
You can turn it around pretty quickly in the NFL. With an aggressive off season, the Patriots likely could have been playoff contenders with mediocre QB play this upcoming season. Not true Super Bowl contender but battling for a playoff spot. No reason, if they hit on the QB, they can't be contenders in 2026 onward. With some luck, they could make some noise in 2025.

Of course hitting on the QB is the biggest question. I'm also not sure any team will be offering the bounty of picks some seem to expect.

 

[DJnVa]

I heard Daniels is -300 to go #2, the best odds he's had. Not sure how meaningful that is, but it's there.

 

[Eck'sSneakyCheese]

1. Trade Down
2. Maye
3. Maye
4. Extremely excited to not have to watch Mac Jones in a Pats uni

I was all about the possibility of MHJ at 3 and JJ at 34 when the year ended but silly season reared it's ugly head and we've got first round QBs who shouldn't be. I have come around to Maye being a valid option at 3 if things turn out that way. I still think trading down and getting more picks in the first 3 rounds this year and at least a first next year is the optimal way to go to try to get some talent on the offensive side.

 

[nolasoxfan]

1. Trade down for a haul, nothing less.
2. Trade down (second choice: Maye).
3. Maye.
4. Anything is a win after last year, though a strange part of me wishes BB were making the pick, if only for the entertainment value.

 

[Eddie Jurak]

The problem with taking a QB in the top 10 is that it puts a lot of pressure to start him right away, and I think history is a strong indicator that the best thing for a young QB's future is to let him redshirt for a year. So trade down, pick a QB in the late first or early second, and use the bounty of picks to fill in as many holes in the roster as possible. Expect to be terrible next year and use your top 10 pick next year on the best player available.

I hope the Patriots don't think this will be a short rebuild.

I actually think that regardless of what happens on draft day, our most likely game 1 starter at QB will be Jacoby Brissett. I think they are going to be smart in how they develop whichever QB they take. If they take Daniels (not who I wants), though, they may put in a package for him and give him some playing time earlier than the others.

To steal from NFL Draft pod on The Ringer,

About Daniels: "When things break down, he either cuts and runs or gets sacked. More than any other QB I've ever tracked. That said, he's really good at running, so there's a realistic timeline where Daniels comes in and is amazing right away. But there's also a world where he's Justin Fields, except 3 years older when he entered the league."

About Maye: "He absolutely has accuracy issues on shorter passes. But everything else--big time throws, ADOT, throws to covered receivers--is really, really good. Rather have that as a starting point, than the other way around. And he's just 21."

This, exactly.

 

[BaseballJones]

I want Maye. But if they draft him, I think we'd better be prepared for a few years of struggle before it clicks. First, because he's young (21) and second, because he still has a lot of adjustments to make. All the talent needed to be a great NFL QB is there with him. But he'll need time to grow. So we're going to have to be patient.

 

[Bob Montgomerys Helmet Hat]

Maye
Trade down
Maye

To crib DJnVA...
Maye- 10
Tradedown- 7
Daniels- 6
McCarthy-4
Any other player- 0

This is almost exactly where I am, other than McCarthy is probably more like a 2 for me.

 

[NextBigThing8184]

1. Trade Down
2. Maye
3. Maye
4. Extremely excited to not have to watch Mac Jones in a Pats uni

I was all about the possibility of MHJ at 3 and JJ at 34 when the year ended but silly season reared it's ugly head and we've got first round QBs who shouldn't be. I have come around to Maye being a valid option at 3 if things turn out that way. I still think trading down and getting more picks in the first 3 rounds this year and at least a first next year is the optimal way to go to try to get some talent on the offensive side.

Talent on the offensive side without a QB is basically last year’s Raiders. High end LT (Miller), quality #1 WR (Adams) useful players in other key spots and trash QB.

It’s not a winning model in the NFL unless you have a very good defense and a weak schedule (and good coaching and some luck).

 

[Eck'sSneakyCheese]

Talent on the offensive side without a QB is basically last year’s Raiders. High end LT (Miller), quality #1 WR (Adams) useful players in other key spots and trash QB.

It’s not a winning model in the NFL unless you have a very good defense and a weak schedule (and good coaching and some luck).

I mean of course it's not a winning model. No one in the NFL is trying to bulk up on all other aspects and forget about the QB. Each team that's had the perception of doing that has been swinging at QB relentlessly until it hits. The Raiders thought they had a QB. The Niners thought they had a QB a couple times over. For anyone to watch the last two years especially and not come away thinking we need a dominant oline first and foremost is kidding themselves. The best offensive lines make the playoffs. That's something the playoff QBs all had in common.

We have a good defense. We have a below average offense currently. Quite literally anyone will be an upgrade at QB over last year including Jacoby. Add a good LT and a receiver and we'll at least be able to watch this year without being nauseous.

 

[Justthetippett]

I mean of course it's not a winning model. No one in the NFL is trying to bulk up on all other aspects and forget about the QB. Each team that's had the perception of doing that has been swinging at QB relentlessly until it hits. The Raiders thought they had a QB. The Niners thought they had a QB a couple times over. For anyone to watch the last two years especially and not come away thinking we need a dominant oline first and foremost is kidding themselves. The best offensive lines make the playoffs. That's something the playoff QBs all had in common.

We have a good defense. We have a below average offense currently. Quite literally anyone will be an upgrade at QB over last year including Jacoby. Add a good LT and a receiver and we'll at least be able to watch this year without being nauseous.

If the goal was to merely make the playoffs, then yes, roll with Jacoby, draft OL and WR, and maybe you get to 9-8 or 10-7 and back in with the other dregs of the playoff field. But if the goal is to ultimately compete for another ring, they have to draft a QB, probably subject us to another year or two of pain, and hope things start to come together for real in 2026 or so.

 

[Eck'sSneakyCheese]

If the goal was to merely make the playoffs, then yes, roll with Jacoby, draft OL and WR, and maybe you get to 9-8 or 10-7 and back in with the other dregs of the playoff field. But if the goal is to ultimately compete for another ring, they have to draft a QB, probably subject us to another year or two of pain, and hope things start to come together for real in 2026 or so.

They don't HAVE to draft a QB. They should. They could next year too.

 

[Deathofthebambino]

I've been on the Drake Maye train (or Caleb obviously) on this board since January, 2023. If they are in a position to get Maye, you get him.

If not, then you have to see what you can get in return for a trade down or alternatively, if they also love Daniels, you just draft him.

It's really that simple.

The idea of passing on Maye/Daniels if you like both of them is crazy, crazy, crazy talk. If folks don't like JJ McCarthy, there won't be anyone better (or maybe even close to him) in next year's draft outside the top 5, and we aren't getting into the top 5 next year barring a catastrophe like Brissett going down in week one, along with half of our defense and our offensive line. It happens, but it's really, really rare for a team to end up with picks in the top 5 in back to back years.

 

[NextBigThing8184]

I've been on the Drake Maye train (or Caleb obviously) on this board since January, 2023. If they are in a position to get Maye, you get him.

If not, then you have to see what you can get in return for a trade down or alternatively, if they also love Daniels, you just draft him.

It's really that simple.

The idea of passing on Maye/Daniels if you like both of them is crazy, crazy, crazy talk. If folks don't like JJ McCarthy, there won't be anyone better (or maybe even close to him) in next year's draft outside the top 5, and we aren't getting into the top 5 next year barring a catastrophe like Brissett going down in week one, along with half of our defense and our offensive line. It happens, but it's really, really rare for a team to end up with picks in the top 5 in back to back years.

I’d argue that a team starting a terrible QB, with a rookie head coach, a very tough schedule and a bad OL is an excellent bet to go back to back top 5.

Also not as rare as you imply. The Panthers (had they not traded) in 2022/23, Jacksonville 21/22, Jets 21/22, Houston 21/22/23 (2021 was traded), Cincy 2020/21, Cleveland 16/17/18, Jacksonville 16/17 etc.

It happens almost every year with a repeat of at least one of the top 5 teams. Chances are at least one of Washington, Carolina and the Pats will be in the top 5 next year given they have 3 of the bottom 5-6 rosters in the NFL and shaky QB and coach situations.

There will be a team or two with a marginal QB situation which implodes (New Orleans and Seattle would be good candidates), and maybe a decent team whose QB gets hurt but generally speaking the top 5 teams are teams with outright bad QB’s or young QBs who flop (or who haven’t developed yet).

 

[DennyDoyle'sBoil]

I heard Daniels is -300 to go #2, the best odds he's had. Not sure how meaningful that is, but it's there.

On DK. To go 2: Daniels -200, Maye +185, JJM +800. To go 3: Daniels +180, Maye -170, JJM +320.

On FD. 2 Daniels -190, Maye + 185, JJM +900. 3 Daniels +200, Maye -120, JJM +400

 

[ilol@u]

1. Draft Jayden Daniels - he is what the new NFL is all-about; mobility, swagger, throws on the run. Lamar Jackson, Jalen Hurts, Josh Allen, Patrick Mahomes, Justin Fields, Anthony Richardson are the new waves. I believe Jerod Mayo will turn this guy into a beast.
2. If Daniels is taken, then drafting Maye is the second best option.

 

[Cellar-Door]

1. Draft Jayden Daniels - he is what the new NFL is all-about; mobility, swagger, throws on the run. Lamar Jackson, Jalen Hurts, Josh Allen, Patrick Mahomes, Justin Fields, Anthony Richardson are the new waves. I believe Jerod Mayo will turn this guy into a beast.
2. If Daniels is taken, then drafting Maye is the second best option.

So just to let you know.... he doesn't throw on the run.... like at all. If you want throwing on the run you want Maye. If you want a guy who is an explosive runner like Fields... Daniels is the guy.

 

[Sox Pride]

FWIW - one qb I really like for next year is Riley Leonard. Played for Duke last year, will play for ND this.

 

[ManhattanRedSox]

I mean of course it's not a winning model. No one in the NFL is trying to bulk up on all other aspects and forget about the QB. Each team that's had the perception of doing that has been swinging at QB relentlessly until it hits. The Raiders thought they had a QB. The Niners thought they had a QB a couple times over. For anyone to watch the last two years especially and not come away thinking we need a dominant oline first and foremost is kidding themselves. The best offensive lines make the playoffs. That's something the playoff QBs all had in common.

We have a good defense. We have a below average offense currently. Quite literally anyone will be an upgrade at QB over last year including Jacoby. Add a good LT and a receiver and we'll at least be able to watch this year without being nauseous.

This is the eloquence my prior posts are lacking. @Ferm Sheller pointed out that 6-0 loss which to this day still baffles me how that can happen in the NFL. But it can, with poor QB, OL and WR talent the Pats have proven it is entirely possible to suck that badly. However, if I'm triaging this team, and can stop the bleeding by fixing 2/3 (OT/WR) of the suck this year, instead of drafting a QB who I may or may not start for part of the season, just seems more conservative to me. If you go QB at 3, don't you almost have to go OT at pick #2 (to protect that shiny new asset) and then you are in the third round for a WR (assuming you aren't blown away by trades). So now how do you know if your QB selection is good when he doesn't have a true #1 to throw to this year?

The defense is solid, as has been stated. The offense is a tire fire. I just thought amassing the weapons first, then finding the best trigger puller next year was a 'safer' play.

 

[j44thor]

1. Maye
2. MHJ
3. Maye if there, trade down if not
4. Meh, if they trade down I think it is with MN and a real chance they miss out on the top WRs/TE and end up with the 2nd/rd LT at 11.

If Maye isn't there I'm perfectly fine with MHJ, while QB is certainly more important drafting someone that should be a high level starter for 10+yrs isn't a bad consolation prize. My concern is trading back out of the top 10 and settling for 2 players with much lower floors.

 

[NextBigThing8184]

1. Maye
2. MHJ
3. Maye if there, trade down if not
4. Meh, if they trade down I think it is with MN and a real chance they miss out on the top WRs/TE and end up with the 2nd/rd LT at 11.

If Maye isn't there I'm perfectly fine with MHJ, while QB is certainly more important drafting someone that should be a high level starter for 10+yrs isn't a bad consolation prize. My concern is trading back out of the top 10 and settling for 2 players with much lower floors.

If the “not bad consolation prize” is a 10+ year high level starter, wouldn’t Alt be a better pick? At least he can help win in the run game.

If you’re punting on QB, taking a guy whose value is largely tied to his ability to receive passes seems misguided if the guy throwing said passes is Brissett or Zappe.

 

[Deathofthebambino]

I’d argue that a team starting a terrible QB, with a rookie head coach, a very tough schedule and a bad OL is an excellent bet to go back to back top 5.

Also not as rare as you imply. The Panthers (had they not traded) in 2022/23, Jacksonville 21/22, Jets 21/22, Houston 21/22/23 (2021 was traded), Cincy 2020/21, Cleveland 16/17/18, Jacksonville 16/17 etc.

It happens almost every year with a repeat of at least one of the top 5 teams. Chances are at least one of Washington, Carolina and the Pats will be in the top 5 next year given they have 3 of the bottom 5-6 rosters in the NFL and shaky QB and coach situations.

There will be a team or two with a marginal QB situation which implodes (New Orleans and Seattle would be good candidates), and maybe a decent team whose QB gets hurt but generally speaking the top 5 teams are teams with outright bad QB’s or young QBs who flop (or who haven’t developed yet).

That's fair, it's not that rare.

My bigger issue is that I don't even think the #5 overall pick in next year's draft produces a potential franchise QB. Maye would be the #1 overall pick in a shit ton of drafts. If you've got a chance to get him at #3, I just don't know how a team can pass up on him, and then hope to hit on a guy in next year's draft, which has nowhere near the buzz that this class has had for multiple years.

And I think New Orleans and Seattle are just the tip of the iceberg. Denver could easily be playing for the #1 pick next year, as could the Raiders. Carolina might be right back there again. Does MHJ turn Kyler Murray and Arizona into a competitive team? If the Commanders take Daniels and he flops, they'll be a disaster. The Giants, Titans and Vikings could all be in trouble with their QB situations if a couple of key injuries pop up. I'm predicting a decline in Cleveland as Watson blows, they have no draft capital, very little money and I think they won a bunch of games by smoke and mirrors last year. I think the Pats could finish 6-11 or 7-10 with their roster right now, and easily be at the end of the top 10, at best next year if they decide to not go QB and instead build out the team with a bunch of draft picks and we're still left with no QB.

 

[Fishercat]

I voted best available QB. I am much less "gung ho" on it than a month ago - there is a trade value that is "worth it" but I don't think any team will pay that ransom (like the rumored 11/23/1st from Minnesota struck me as too low for this scenario), and if no team does, I'd much prefer taking the shot at Maye or Daniels as long as the team thinks they have a reasonable shot at being good enough to lead an otherwise great team to winning a SB.

Now, if the team is convinced no QB at 3 has a reasonable potential to be a Top 10-15 NFL QB, I'd be more inclined for a standard value deal, but it's hard to tell how long it'll be until the Pats have a shot at a QB prospect/field like this where the cost to "get" to that spot isn't prohibitive.

I think I'm echoing most other folks on the questions - Maye, Daniels, Maye, and Pleased. I'd also be okay with Daniels if it came down to it, though I 100000% understand folks who want them to shore up the other weaknesses using this pick too.

 

[jtn46]

I like Maye, he's a contrast to Mac, so even if he looks like a mistake a few years from now, it will at least be a different kind of mistake. Otherwise I hope the team has vetted whatever they do so I won't be upset if they take Daniels, Harrison, trade down, or even draft McCarthy as long as it's something they believe in and they aren't just settling. Daniels scares me in a few ways but I wouldn't be at all surprised if he has a great career and makes us doubters look stupid.

 

[jablo1312]

Voted take the best available qb. The Pats have no idea which of Drake Maye or Jayden Daniels is more likely to be successful. I guess they can envision which one they're better suited to try and build an offense around? Regardless, this is most likely (very likely) their best chance to draft a franchise qb in the next several years. I don't really see how you pass up that chance for a much smaller chance you can get one next year or the year after.

 

[NextBigThing8184]

That's fair, it's not that rare.

My bigger issue is that I don't even think the #5 overall pick in next year's draft produces a potential franchise QB. Maye would be the #1 overall pick in a shit ton of drafts. If you've got a chance to get him at #3, I just don't know how a team can pass up on him, and then hope to hit on a guy in next year's draft, which has nowhere near the buzz that this class has had for multiple years.

And I think New Orleans and Seattle are just the tip of the iceberg. Denver could easily be playing for the #1 pick next year, as could the Raiders. Carolina might be right back there again. Does MHJ turn Kyler Murray and Arizona into a competitive team? If the Commanders take Daniels and he flops, they'll be a disaster. The Giants, Titans and Vikings could all be in trouble with their QB situations if a couple of key injuries pop up. I'm predicting a decline in Cleveland as Watson blows, they have no draft capital, very little money and I think they won a bunch of games by smoke and mirrors last year. I think the Pats could finish 6-11 or 7-10 with their roster right now, and easily be at the end of the top 10, at best next year if they decide to not go QB and instead build out the team with a bunch of draft picks and we're still left with no QB.

agree on the first part. Even if we “knew” the Pats would have a top 5 pick next year I wouldn’t pass on a QB this year in favor of one next year. The Pats are in a rare position where the supply of top QB prospects (not guys who go in the first but are being pushed up due to positional value) is greater than the demand ahead of them (because only 2 teams are). Next year, if they’re drafting 4th, chances are at least 1 if not all 3 of those other teams need QB

cant see the Titans or Arizona ending up being horrendous. Levis showed some promise last year and the Cardinals seem to be well coached and have a mediocre or better QB.

Denver seems like a top 5 lock, their roster is almost as bad as the Pats and their QB situation is somehow worse. Playing the raiders and chargers twice (instead of Miami/NYJ) gives me pause before I’d pick them as finishing worse than the Pats though.

 

[AB in DC]

I voted "best available QB", but if they think JJM is the best available, then I want them to trade down.

 

[DJnVa]

FWIW - one qb I really like for next year is Riley Leonard. Played for Duke last year, will play for ND this.

It's kinda early for this but if you look at 2025 mock drafts, some have Sanders in top 10 and other first round QBs at 15-20 and later. Others have Sanders as a mid-first guy, even as the #1 QB on the board. Things will change with these lists, but as of a year out, next year's class doesn't appear great. Which means if you punt this year, you're quite possibly looking at a mid-first guy.

 

[jodyreeddudley78]

It's kinda early for this but if you look at 2025 mock drafts, some have Sanders in top 10 and other first round QBs at 15-20 and later. Others have Sanders as a mid-first guy, even as the #1 QB on the board. Things will change with these lists, but as of a year out, next year's class doesn't appear great. Which means if you punt this year, you're quite possibly looking at a mid-first guy.

If the Patriots do trade down, I suspect it's because they like JJM, Penix, or Nix as much or more than who will be available at #3, and will likely target one of them. I'm not saying that's what they should do, I just think that's the most likely case.

 

[NextBigThing8184]

It's kinda early for this but if you look at 2025 mock drafts, some have Sanders in top 10 and other first round QBs at 15-20 and later. Others have Sanders as a mid-first guy, even as the #1 QB on the board. Things will change with these lists, but as of a year out, next year's class doesn't appear great. Which means if you punt this year, you're quite possibly looking at a mid-first guy.

yeah it doesn’t appear great at all right now. If Shedeur Sanders’ name was Shedeur Jones nobody would be talking about him as a top QB prospect. His dad’s name and legacy is doing a lot of work for him

 

[j44thor]

If the “not bad consolation prize” is a 10+ year high level starter, wouldn’t Alt be a better pick? At least he can help win in the run game.

If you’re punting on QB, taking a guy whose value is largely tied to his ability to receive passes seems misguided if the guy throwing said passes is Brissett or Zappe.

Certainly fair, I'm biased because I pay 1000% more attention to skill position players as I'm a diehard dynasty and fantasy football nerd. I do see that Hayden Winks has Joe Alt at 5 on his top 100 Big Board after the 4 QBs and right before MHJ so perhaps he would be the "safer" pick. Don't think you can go wrong with either.

https://underdognetwork.com/football/nfl-draft/2024-nfl-draft-big-board-hayden-winks-top-100

 

[Eddie Jurak]

Wow. 175 votes and no one wants JJ.

 

[Ferm Sheller]

Wow. 175 votes and no one wants JJ.

What's really crazy is that Maye is ahead of Daniels 98-5 and Daniels is favored to be taken ahead of Maye.

 

[astrozombie]

1. Who do you want the Pats to take at 3 (first choice)? Maye
2. Who do you want to take at 3 (second choice)? Depending on the offers, trade back. If nothing is eye-popping, take Daniels.
3. Who do you expect them to take at 3? Daniels
4. How do you feel about what they actiually did? Not sure I understand the question here, but I am just going to be relieved when this is over.