Patriots' Top Options With No. 3 Pick in 2024 NFL Draft

The New England Patriots just had to endure their worst season since 1992, but they at least came away with a potentially franchise-altering pick in the 2024 NFL draft.

With their 4-13 record, the Patriots walked away from the season with the third overall pick. Heading into the offseason there are plenty of holes to fill on the roster, but they will be able to grab a blue-chip prospect to fill at least one of them or gather more assets.

There's also the possibility that the pick could become the figurehead for a rebuild under a new head coach. Bill Belichick has survived Black Monday, but Jeff Howe of The Athletic reported that owner Robert Kraft and Belichick have already met once to discuss their future and will meet at least one more time.

There are multiple directions they could go with the third pick. Working under the assumption that both Caleb Williams and Drake Maye will be gone with the first two picks, here are the top three options with that third pick.

QB Jayden Daniels, LSU

Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images

BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA - NOVEMBER 25: Jayden Daniels #5 of the LSU Tigers runs with the ball against the Texas A&M Aggies during a game at Tiger Stadium on November 25, 2023 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)

The Patriots spent much of this season waffling between Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe at quarterback. Jones has shown signs of regression since his solid rookie campaign and Zappe ended up finishing the season as the starter.

Neither is the answer for the franchise going forward.

Regardless of who is coaching the team next season, they will need a new quarterback.

At this stage of a rebuild, it's probably best to just take one in the draft. The Patriots have needs at most of the premium positions in the league. They have questions at wide receiver, offensive tackle, cornerback and edge rusher so it isn't like they are a quarterback away from being a contender.

If they opt for quarterback, then Jayden Daniels is the man for the job. The Heisman winner was one of the most dynamic forces in college football. B/R quarterback scout Derrik Klassen likes Daniels' floor based on his athleticism.

"Overall, Daniels has an exciting floor as a prospect. He is a veteran-like presence in the pocket, and he's far and away the best athlete in the class at the position. Daniels' average arm talent and inconsistent accuracy may limit his ceiling, but it's hard to imagine him totally flaming out. Daniels would be best in an offense that leans into his rushing ability and vertical passing, similar to Kyler Murray or Jalen Hurts."

The Pats are well-equipped to give a young quarterback some tools to work with. They have $72.8 million in cap space, per Spotrac.

Daniels ability to make plays with his feet would at least give him a shot at making an immediate impact as he develops into an NFL-caliber operator.

OT Joe Alt, Notre Dame

Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images

STANFORD, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 25: Joe Alt #76 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish pass protects against the Stanford Cardinal during the second quarter of an NCAA football game at Stanford Stadium on November 25, 2023 in Stanford, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

Another way of looking at the Patriots roster is that it isn't ready to support a rookie quarterback. They can add some pieces in free agency, but this is a team with uncertainty in its coaching situation and plenty of questions at key positions.

From that perspective, it might be better to roll out the proverbial red carpet for a future quarterback. They could focus on rebuilding this team up front before finding their answer at quarterback later.

If that's the case, then Joe Alt would make a lot of sense. That was the selection of the B/R Scouting Department in their latest mock draft. Here's B/R scout Brandon Thorn on the potential fit:

"As the Patriots enter a potentially new era in 2024, Alt could serve as a key building block for the future," Thorn said. "The Patriots are likely moving on from Trent Brown this offseason, have questions at right tackle and virtually no depth, making a highly drafted tackle a priority. Enter a supercharged version of former Pats longtime starter Nate Solder in Alt."

Drafting Alt would guarantee better protection for whoever is throwing passes for New England. With veterans like Gardner Minshew, Baker Mayfield and Kirk Cousins all set to become free agents, the Pats could opt for a bridge quarterback while they build a better roster.

WR Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State

Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images

Marvin Harrison Jr.

There are two ways to help out a young quarterback: Improve protection and upgrade weapons.

Taking Joe Alt at No. 3 would be one approach, but wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. also warrants consideration. He would bring something to the table that the Patriots haven't had in a long time. He would be a legitimate No. 1 receiver who can win from a variety of alignments.

This year, the Patriots were led in receiving by Demario Douglas, a 5'8", 192-pound sixth-round pick in the 2023 draft with 561 yards. That's impressive for him, but scary for the Patriots. He could remain a useful element of the offense, but he shouldn't be leading the team in receiving.

Harrison is one of the most hyped receiving prospects in recent memory. The son of Hall of Fame receiver Marvin Harrison is our big board's No. 1 ranked overall prospect.

At 6'4", 205 pounds he has a prototypical frame and the ability to go up and be a ball-winner. Yet, he has the precise route-running to be dominant in the slot as well. He's a versatile receiver who drew an A.J. Green comparison from Klassen in his scouting report.

Regardless of who is throwing passes for the team next season, Harrison would be an instant upgrade and building block for years to come.