The New England Patriots, led by de facto general manager Eliot Wolf and head coach Jerod Mayo, have a number of different ways they can attack the draft.
With three picks in the top 68, they can add some talented players who can really help change the direction of the franchise going forward.
In a new mock draft for ESPN, Mel Kiper and Field Yates alternate picks through the top 100, and the Patriots end up with three offensive skill players who could alter the outlook of the 2024 season and beyond.
With the third overall pick, Kiper has New England drafting North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye.
"I don't see the Patriots trading back, even if they have needs at several other positions. Taking Maye secures their future at the NFL's most important position."
Then, Yates predicts the Patriots go receiver in the second round and take Florida State's Keon Coleman at No. 34.
"The Patriots need to support Drake Maye after taking him in Round 1, and Coleman's on-field quickness is better than his timed speed (4.61 seconds in the 40-yard dash at the combine). He can be a top-notch red zone target."
New England wraps up their first three selections with Yates having them double down at wideout and grabbing North Carolina's Devontez Walker.
"Yes, I already gave Keon Coleman to the Patriots in Round 2. But I'm double-dipping at wide receiver -- and setting up Drake Maye with a familiar target in Walker, whose length and speed would help open up this offense."
It might seem a little crazy for the Patriots to use two of their first three picks in this draft on the same position, but the wide receiver room is pretty bare right now.
If the season were to start today, New England's top three wideouts would be Kendrick Bourne (returning from an ACL), K.J. Osborn and DeMario Douglas. That's a group that could use some more young talent, especially if they're investing so heavily in their quarterback of the future.
