Patriots' Mayo on NFL Draft 2024 Rumors: 'Have to Really Be in Love' with QB at No. 3

The New England Patriots are expected to select a quarterback with the No. 3 pick in the 2024 NFL draft, but first-year head coach Jerod Mayo indicated that it's not a guarantee just yet.

"It's the priority right now. But with that being said, you have to really be in love with the guy to take him at No. 3. So really all the options are still open for us," Mayo told NFL Network's Steve Wyche on Sunday at the annual league meetings.

Following the departure of legendary quarterback Tom Brady in 2020, the Patriots thought they found their quarterback of the future when they drafted Mac Jones with the 15th pick in 2021.

Despite a strong start to his career that saw him earn a selection to the Pro Bowl as an alternate in his rookie year, Jones regressed in each of the past two seasons and was traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars this month.

New England signed veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett to provide some stability to the position. Mayo said the return of Brissett, who started his career with the Patriots in 2016, gives the team options heading into the draft.

"A guy like Jacoby, he's a great leader. Everyone loves him. To get him back in the building is definitely helpful for us. And honestly, look, he could absolutely be our starter this year," Mayo said. "We'll have to see. Like I said, we're not dead set at taking a quarterback at No. 3, but we do feel good having a guy like Jacoby ready to go."

B/R's NFL Scouting Department predicted that the Patriots would select LSU quarterback and 2023 Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels with the No. 3 pick in the most recent mock draft. Having Brissett as a mentor could help Daniels or any other quarterback prospect start his career on the right track.

There is a ton of talent at other positions near the top of the draft, so there is still time to see if another prospect is able to entice the Patriots to forego selecting a quarterback before April 25.