NFL Draft 2024 Rumors: Patriots Not a 'Lock' to Take QB at No. 3 amid Trade Buzz

When it comes to the New England Patriots, all the buzz leading up to the 2024 NFL draft is what the franchise will do with the No. 3 overall pick with the opportunity to select a new quarterback.

Amid speculation that the Patriots might trade back from No. 3, The Athletic's Dianna Russini noted Friday during an appearance on The Herd with Colin Cowherd (35 second mark) that she doesn't believe New England "to be a lock to take a quarterback."

The Patriots have been linked to both Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye with the No. 3 pick.

New England sent nine members of its staff to Maye's pro day, including head coach Jerod Mayo and director of scouting Eliot Wolf, and also sent eight members of its staff to Daniels' pro day at LSU.

USC's Caleb Williams, meanwhile, is expected to go first overall to the Chicago Bears.

The Patriots desperately need a quarterback after trading Mac Jones to the Jacksonville Jaguars earlier this month in exchange for sixth-round pick. They signed Jacoby Brissett and also have Bailey Zappe on the roster, but neither is a long-term solution at the position.

New England also needs upgrades at several other positions if it hopes to find success in 2024, including wide receiver and offensive tackle. If those positions aren't improved, it's hard to envision a rookie quarterback finding any success, which is why the team has been linked to a move out of the No. 3 spot.

If the Patriots intend to trade back, there should be no shortage of suitors as the Denver Broncos, Las Vegas Raiders and Minnesota Vikings have all been rumored as candidates interested in moving up.

New England moving back would likely mean Brissett would be the starter in 2024 and the franchise would re-evaluate the quarterback market ahead of the 2025 campaign.

However, the 2025 draft class isn't considered to be as strong at quarterback, so the Patriots would be wise to take a deep look at all of their options this spring.