Rhode Island-based sports news outlet NESN.com reported on Wednesday that The Athletic's top draft expert, Dane Brugler, has released his first 2024 NFL mock draft. In a development that should please Patriots fans, Brugler predicts that New England will use their third-overall pick to select North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye.

With the Chicago Bears and Arizona Cardinals projected to select quarterback Caleb Williams and receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. with the first and second picks, respectively, the Patriots have an opportunity to address their quarterback situation with a highly-touted prospect.

Brugler noted that the Patriots' offense has struggled this season, ranking in the bottom five due to their quarterback woes. This has led to speculation that head coach Bill Belichick, who has never drafted in the top five during his 24-year tenure, might be forced to make a strategic move in the upcoming draft.

While Maye is considered a promising talent, some experts argue that he could have an edge over Williams, who is the consensus top player available in the draft. Maye, standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 220 pounds, led his team to an 8-4 record in his final season at UNC, completing 63.3% of his passes for 3,608 yards and 24 touchdowns. It remains to be seen whether Maye will participate in the Tar Heels' upcoming bowl game.

The Patriots, currently holding the third pick in the 2024 draft, are in desperate need of a reset at the quarterback position. Mac Jones, the team's current signal-caller, has struggled and the organization is exploring the possibility of a trade to give him a fresh start elsewhere.

In order to secure Maye, Williams, or Harrison, the Patriots will likely need to finish the season with a top-three selection. With six games remaining, the team has a chance to secure a potentially franchise-altering draft pick.

While mock drafts can be speculative, fans and analysts will undoubtedly keep a close eye on the developments leading up to the 2024 NFL draft and whether the Patriots will indeed select an exciting young quarterback to rejuvenate their offense.

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