Readers Say

Here’s what readers want the Patriots to do in the 2024 NFL Draft

Readers are split over which quarterback they want the Patriots to end up with.

A view of the NFL draft stage from 2023. AP Photo/Steve Luciano

April 25, 2024

Patriots fans are looking towards the start of the 2024 NFL Draft—carrying with it the possibility of adding franchise-altering talent—with a mixture of both excitement and anxiety.

The draft starts on Thursday night at 8 p.m. Opinions about what New England should do with the third overall pick vary, as do fans’ view of which quarterback they hope the Patriots end up with.

In a recent survey of Boston.com readers, more than 380 fans responded to questions about whether or not they hope the top pick gets traded, which player should potentially be picked, and how much confidence they currently have in the post-Bill Belichick administration of the team.

The most pertinent question: What should the Patriots do with the third overall pick?

In response, 61 percent of readers said the Patriots should “use the pick to take a quarterback.” The other two options (use the pick to take another position of need, or trade the pick) received 4.7 and 34.6 percent, respectively.

“99% of all the Super Bowls played always have some sort of a top-tier quarterback involved. Even if you draft the bust, you have to roll the dice,” said reader Elias of the North Shore.

The second most popular stance on the issue was that the Patriots should trade the pick to add more depth, allowing for another potential quarterback to be selected later in the first round.

“If the Patriots can trade down, get Michael Penix and stock up on valuable draft picks, they’ll be in better shape than they would be if they miss on their QB pick at 3,” said reader Katie, from Canton.

Speaking of Penix Jr., the standout Washington quarterback projected to get taken as early as the middle of the first round, New England fans were slightly unsure of which signal-caller they want.

Aside from Caleb Williams (who appears set to be the Bears’ top overall pick), Boston.com readers were asked to pick from other top quarterbacks Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye, J.J. McCarthy, Penix, or someone else.

The most popular choice was UNC’s Maye, currently projected by many to be the most likely player the Patriots could pick third overall. He led with a plurality at 42.2 percent. Daniels, the 2023 Heisman Trophy winner from LSU, was next with 31.5 percent.

The other notable quarterbacks listed were: J.J. McCarthy (12.5 percent), Penix (9.6 percent), and ex-Oregon QB Bo Nix (0.8 percent).

Still, not everyone wants the Patriots to select a quarterback.

“I believe Marvin Harrison Jr. is a generational [wide receiver],” said Lee C. of Meredith, NH. “His dad was maybe 6 feet. [Marvin] Jr. is 6’3″ 225 [pounds]. He has speed, hands and route running ability. He has it all.”

As for the higher-level question (confidence in the Patriots’ current front office), fans appear to be willing to give the new regime some time. Of those who responded, 57 percent said they were “unsure” of the new leadership.

Some are already skeptical, with 20.3 percent saying that are “not confident” in the structure.

“Ownership should have hired a [general manager] or made [Eliot] Wolf GM,” said Natalie B. of Arlington. “Leadership is too focused on hedging their bets.”

Some are still keeping the faith, however, with 22.7 percent noting that they are “confident” in Patriots leadership.

“Despite what the talking heads on the radio say, it seems the Patriots have put together a solid coaching staff and personnel department,” responded Bob A. of Haverhill. “It also appears they realize that teams can’t win if they don’t have a franchise QB and the only way to get a franchise QB is at the top of the draft.”