The New England Patriots pulled off an exhilarating comeback win against the Denver Broncos on Sunday night, leaving fans buzzing with excitement. However, this thrilling victory came at a cost as it dropped the Patriots down two spots in the projected 2024 NFL Draft order.

The game showcased the talent and potential of several young Patriots players. With the team's future at stake, fans were eager to see them step up and make a difference. And they delivered.

Quarterback Bailey Zappe, in his first-ever fourth-quarter comeback, led the Patriots to a remarkable win. He completed 25-of-33 passes for 256 yards, throwing two touchdowns and no interceptions. His performance highlighted his potential and raised questions about the team's quarterback situation moving forward.

Another notable player was rookie kicker Chad Ryland, who found redemption after a rough start. Despite missing a 47-yard attempt and an extra point earlier in the game, Ryland nailed a game-winning 56-yard field goal with seconds left on the clock. His strong finish gave hope that he can improve his consistency in future games.

On the defensive side, young defensive tackle Christian Barmore shone brightly. He registered an impressive three sacks on Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson, bringing his season total to 8.5. Barmore's game-wrecking ability was evident throughout the match, as he also recorded four quarterback hits, two tackles for loss, and drew a hold in the fourth quarter. The Patriots are excited about his potential as a blue-chip building block for their defense.

Not to be forgotten is rookie receiver Demario Douglas, who continues to have a standout season. Douglas caught five passes for 74 yards in the game, adding to his impressive rookie stats. With 44 receptions for 517 yards this season, he now holds the second-most catches by a rookie in the Bill Belichick era, trailing only Aaron Hernandez. Douglas has emerged as one of the few bright spots on the Patriots' struggling offense.

However, despite the excitement generated by this victory, the drop in draft order following the win left many Patriots fans with mixed emotions. Going into the game, the team had the No. 2 pick in next year's draft, but the win moved them down to the No. 4 spot. This could have significant ramifications for the Patriots' future, particularly in their quest for a franchise quarterback.

Next year's draft boasts two highly regarded quarterback prospects, Caleb Williams from USC and Drake Maye from North Carolina. The Patriots' drop to the No. 4 spot decreases their chances of landing one of these quarterbacks. While they could still be in a position to select LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels or draft a top tackle like Joe Alt from Notre Dame or Olumuyiwa from Penn State, the presence of a young, franchise quarterback is often seen as essential for a successful rebuild.

With only two games remaining in the 2023 NFL season, the Patriots face a challenging task in regaining their previous draft position. The Commanders, currently at No. 3, have tough matchups against the San Francisco 49ers and Dallas Cowboys. The Cardinals, at No. 2, will be facing the Philadelphia Eagles and Seattle Seahawks. It is not impossible for the Patriots to climb back into the top 3, but the odds are not in their favor.

While the victory in Denver may have come at a cost in terms of draft position, it showcased the potential of the Patriots' young talent. Players like Zappe, Ryland, Barmore, and Douglas provided glimpses of what they can bring to the team's future. The hope is that their positive performances will contribute to the growth and success of the Patriots in the long run.

As the season draws to a close, Patriots fans will be eagerly watching how these young players continue to develop and contribute to the team. And despite the setback in draft order, they remain hopeful that the future holds promise for their beloved franchise.