The NFL new league year is coming fast and the combine is here. As we approach free agency, it’s important to consider the Patriots will look to bolster their roster and their needs will likely change a bit. Nevertheless, we look into options and potential picks for the Patriots based on their current roster. Let’s take a look at Couture’s 2024 Patriots Mock Draft 2.0.
3rd Overall Pick: UNC QB Drake Maye
Embed from Getty ImagesThis is the only repeat from my first mock of the offseason. As the combine and draft approaches, Jayden Daniels seems to be rising the ranks. He fits Kingsbury’s offense and so I currently believe he has the edge to be taken #2 overall. That would leave Drake Maye for the Patriots and let’s just say it’s certainly not a bad consolation prize.
Drake Maye is currently my QB2 of the class and he offers all the tools necessary to become a high-end QB in the NFL. A solid athlete that provides mobility inside and outside the pocket. He has the arm talent to make about any throw on the football field. Inside the pocket, he has also shown solid pre-snap and post-snap recognition.
As I mentioned in my first mock, he has plenty of room to improve and the development needs to continue, but the upside is worth the pick here. It should be noted that he is two years younger than Jayden Daniels. It shouldn’t be shocking that he needs a little more development. He has shades of a slightly smaller Josh Allen. If the Patriots select Maye, it should be seen as a major win on draft night.
“What do you see in Drake Maye?”
— Matt Couture (@MattCouture5) February 21, 2024
This. 28 seconds of what you’re betting on with selecting Drake Maye. He certainly has some flaws and needs to continue to develop but so does basically every prospect.
The #1 factor when selecting a QB early in the draft is are the tools there… https://t.co/TLfRGZCjOm pic.twitter.com/LlGDxG0gV8
TRADE! Patriots jump back into round one by sending #34 and a 2025 4th-round pick for #31 overall.
31st Overall Pick: Texas WR Adonai Mitchell
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Patriots jump the Chiefs and select Adonai Mitchell at #31 overall. This pick will sure come with some mixed reviews as he’s jumbled into a big group of second-round receivers. What separates Mitchell from others is his combination of size and ability to play the position at a high level. What does the at mean exactly? While Mitchell certainly has legit athleticism at the position, he understands it as well. He’s a quality route runner who runs with decisive steps. He plays within himself and displays good body control while also being able to go up and get the ball. He can beat defenders at all three levels of the field including being a legit red zone target using his 6’4 frame.
His speed isn’t something that will blow you away and consistency has been Mitchell’s downfall and what has pushed him further down the boards than he should be. Nevertheless, the upside is there for Mitchell to be a legit WR1 in the NFL. Player comparisons for me include Tee Higgins, Josh Reynolds, DeAndre Hopkins, and DeVante Parker. No comparison is perfect but he has shades of these styles of wideouts.
Texas WR Adonai Mitchell could see a serious rise at the NFL Combine this week. An elite blend of size, speed, and ball tracking make him a dangerous deep threat. Mitchell, who goes by “AD,” had just 1 drop to his name since 2022. #HookEm pic.twitter.com/tZ3EirG2Du
— Kyle Lindemann (@LuckIsMadeFF) February 26, 2024
68th Overall Pick: Houston OT Patrick Paul
Embed from Getty ImagesWhen you think of Patrick Paul, it’s tough to not first think of his size. He has the height, weight, and wingspan that teams covet at the next level. On top of that, he moves pretty well for being that big. Combining that quickness and size resulted in not allowing a single sack in 2023 for Houston.
Now entering the NFL, Paul will look to prove himself. Teams will certainly love the size but will also question the flexibility and run-blocking ability that comes with that. He has shown steady improvement at Houston and if a team believes in him, he’s worth a selection at this point in the draft
104th Overall Pick: Rutgers CB Max Melton
Embed from Getty ImagesThe cornerback position is an underrated need for the Patriots and they look to solidify it here by adding Max Melton. The Rutgers cornerback stands 6 feet tall and plays with impressive physicality and speed. He has scheme versatility and offers premiere upside at the next level. If Patriots CB coach Mike Pellegrino can clean up his footwork and help Melton play with more composure, the upside is well worth this selection. He has already reportedly met with the Patriots twice.
Rutgers CB Max Melton is a name to keep an eye on. Patient, smart, closing speed, and special teams value! pic.twitter.com/3n68FRn32p
— Robert Cardona (@CARDONAFAM29) June 15, 2023
TRADE! The Patriots send #136 to the Browns for #156 and #205
156th Overall Pick: Michigan C Drake Nugent
Embed from Getty ImagesAfter sliding back to #156, the Patriots select their second Drake of the draft. This one is Drake Nugent as the team looks toward the future of their interior offensive line. While the Patriots selected three IOL’s last draft, the future of those three spots is still shaky, and unclear. Veteran center David Andrews is expected back in 2024 but that position is likely a need in 2025.
Insert Drake Nugent. The fifth-year senior played well for the National Champions and showed what he can be at the next level. He’s a smart center that can control protections, play with an edge, and move well in space. He holds a lot of the tools that signal a future starter in the NFL.
Michigan's run-blocking last season was just beautiful. This is as well as you could block DUO. Look at those frontside combos get to the second level. pic.twitter.com/Hhoc2tnItR
— Ted Nguyen (@FB_FilmAnalysis) February 21, 2024
182nd Overall Pick: Washington State DE Brennan Jackson
Embed from Getty ImagesBrennan Jackson comes in at #182 and is a quality late-round dart throw for the Patriots. While Jackson doesn’t wow you, he has the energy, motor, and competitiveness you look for in a player. He needs work as a pure pass rusher but has shown the willingness and ability to play well against the run. Add Jackson to the mix and hope he can develop more into earning a notable defensive role.
205th Overall Pick: Ole Miss WR Zahkari Franklin
Embed from Getty ImagesCould the Patriots hit on a late-round WR two years in a row? That’s the goal of snagging Zahkari Franklin. The Ole Miss transfer did close to nothing in 2023. It’s unknown what exactly went wrong but he was reportedly no longer with the program as of this past November.
The upside in this pick comes from the year before at UTSA where he snagged 85 catches for 1097 yards and 14 TD’s. Taking shots at this point in the draft is about the upside. Franklin’s stock has dropped significantly over the past year and this is about taking a talent above the draft slot and seeing if you can strike gold.
229th Overall Pick: South Dakota State RB Isaiah Davis
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Patriots finish off their draft by selecting Isaiah Davis as they try to bolster their running back depth. Davis can withstand a heavy workload and has shown quality vision, patience, and ball security in college.
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Featured Imagine: Getty Images/Ron Jenkins
