The New England Patriots are reportedly open to the possibility of trading down in the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft, according to Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo. Despite having multiple needs at key positions, the team is willing to entertain offers to move back from their No. 3 overall pick.

Citing sources, ESPN's Matt Miller believes that a blockbuster deal could materialize for the Patriots. In Miller's seven-round mock draft, he predicts that the Patriots would trade their No. 3 selection to the Minnesota Vikings. In return, New England would receive the No. 11 and No. 23 picks, along with a first-round pick in the 2025 draft.

In the mock draft scenario, the Vikings would use their new pick on Drake Maye, while the Patriots would address their needs by selecting offensive tackle Olumuyiwa Fashanu at No. 11 and cornerback Cooper DeJean at No. 23.

Even after the trade, the Patriots would still have the opportunity to select a top quarterback in the class with the 34th overall pick. However, Miller forecasts that the team would choose wide receiver Keon Coleman at that spot. It is predicted that the Patriots would wait until the fourth round, specifically the 103rd overall pick, to address their quarterback situation by selecting Spencer Rattler.

Patriots owner Robert Kraft may not entirely be on board with this plan, as he is eager to see his team secure one of the best quarterbacks in the draft. However, the possibility of acquiring additional future assets seems to be weighing in on the decision-making process.

Both Mayo and Kraft are aligned in their belief in needing to have a strong affinity for a player before taking them with such a high draft pick. If the Patriots' top option is not available at No. 3, a trade would make sense to secure more picks, especially with the Vikings keen on moving up in the draft.

The Patriots' strategy to potentially trade down demonstrates their commitment to building for the future, even if it means delaying the selection of a top signal-caller until the 2025 draft. As the draft approaches, all eyes will be on the Patriots and whether they make a move to accumulate more assets or decide to stay put and address their needs with the No. 3 pick.