The New England Patriots find themselves in a rare position, holding their most favorable draft slot since 1993, and they’re showing no inclination to relinquish it.
In the lead-up to the 2024 NFL Draft, where standout quarterback prospects like USC’s Caleb Williams, LSU’s Jayden Daniels, and UNC’s Drake Maye are generating significant buzz, several teams have explored the possibility of trading up into the top three picks.
Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated revealed that one such team was the Atlanta Falcons, who expressed interest in securing a quarterback during the NFL Combine in late February, prior to their acquisition of Kirk Cousins in free agency.
However, as Breer reported, the Chicago Bears, Washington Commanders, and New England Patriots, holding the No. 1, No. 2, and No. 3 picks respectively, have shown no inclination to part ways with their draft positions. This stance remains particularly firm for the Patriots at No. 3.
“At this point, it appears the teams within the top three are not open to trading,” Breer remarked during NBC Sports Boston’s Sports Sunday segment. “Atlanta, during the combine, explored the possibility of moving up, considering alternatives to Kirk Cousins or Baker Mayfield. However, their attempts to enter the top three were met with resistance.”
The Bears’ recent trade of Justin Fields to the Pittsburgh Steelers further solidifies their interest in Williams. Meanwhile, Breer’s reports indicate that both Washington and New England are currently committed to selecting quarterbacks with their respective picks, with the Patriots showing no inclination to entertain trade offers during the combine.
Breer emphasized that the Patriots’ stance doesn’t necessarily lock them into drafting Daniels or Maye at No. 3. There remains the possibility of another team presenting an enticing trade package, potentially involving multiple future first-round picks.
For instance, NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah proposed that the Minnesota Vikings would need to offer their No. 11 pick, along with first-round picks in 2025 and 2026, to move up to No. 3.
While trading down could provide New England with additional draft capital to address various roster needs, such as offensive line and wide receiver, there’s also the allure of securing a potential franchise-altering talent on a rookie contract.
If the Patriots’ decision-makers, led by Eliot Wolf, hold both Daniels and Maye in high regard, utilizing the No. 3 pick to secure the quarterback the Commanders don’t select could be the optimal path forward.
