The Patriots know they want far more offensive firepower in 2024.
That was one of many greatest takeaways from attending the NFL Scouting Combine final week. Almost each dialog with a Patriots coach, scout or government normally started with an acknowledgment that the offense must be constructed up earlier than the crew even is aware of their offensive identification.
So, we’re rebuilding the Patriots’ offense with the primary three picks of our post-combine mock draft.
Round 1, Pick No. 3: LSU QB Jayden Daniels
The Patriots held formal conferences with the highest QBs within the 2024 NFL Draft, together with Daniels. Multiple Patriots staffers mentioned they’d be proud of any of the highest three QBs, Daniels, USC’s Caleb Williams or UNC’s Drake Maye, at No. 3 total. And one Patriots government was clearly a fan of Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy, as effectively.
Daniels comes with some query marks — most notably his body and arm power — however he’s a dynamic athlete with correct precision.
Sources: Patriots impressed early by prime 2024 NFL Draft QB prospects
Last yr’s Heisman Trophy winner threw for 3,812 yards with 40 touchdowns and simply 4 interceptions whereas including 10 touchdowns on the bottom. An AFC East scout had Daniels ranked decrease than Williams and Maye and believed {that a} crew may win with him however not due to him.
Still, the Patriots have to intention for the fences with their subsequent quarterback, and Daniels has particular expertise that may’t be present in free company.
Round 2, Pick No. 34: Texas WR Adonai Mitchell
It’s a extremely robust large receiver class, that means the Patriots ought to have the ability to get a great participant on the prime of the second spherical even when they decide a quarterback over a wideout in Round 1.
Mitchell might be a game-breaker paired with Daniels. The 6-foot-2, 205-pound receiver ran a blazing 4.34-second 40-yard sprint and almost leaped out of Lucas Oil Stadium with a 39.5-inch vertical leap and 11-feet, 4-inch broad bounce.
He caught 11 landing passes on 55 receptions with 845 yards in 2023 and might be the Patriots’ future at “X” receiver. The Ringer’s Danny Kelly in contrast Mitchell to CeeDee Lamb.
Round 3, Pick No. 68: Yale OT Kiran Amegadjie
Re-signing proper sort out Mike Onwenu ought to be a precedence, and the Patriots can be sensible to be available in the market for a left sort out in free company, as effectively.
But Amegadjie is athletic and lengthy and can be the long run starter on Daniels’ blindside.
Amegadjie is 6-foot-5, 323 kilos, however his wingspan is 7-feet, 1-inch. He performed 4 video games in 2023 earlier than struggling a season-ending quad damage. He did not permit a sack and let up simply 5 hurries. He additionally did not permit a sack in 2022.
Round 4: Clemson DT Tyler Davis
The Patriots ought to be trying to get youthful at defensive sort out even with Christian Barmore due for a contract extension.
Davis may substitute Lawrence Guy, who was launched this offseason. The 6-foot-2, 301-pounder is a strong run defender who can clog up the center of the sector.
Daniel Ekuale and Davon Godchaux will each be 30 years previous this season.
Round 5: Kansas State TE Ben Sinnott
With only one tight finish on their 53-man roster, it is integral so as to add a younger participant to this place group to fill a necessity sooner or later. The Patriots would nonetheless be sensible to signal their potential beginning tight finish, however Sinnott ran a 4.68-second 40-yard sprint at 6-foot-4, 250 kilos with a freaky 40-inch vertical leap, 10-foot, 6-inch broad bounce, 6.82-second 3-cone drill and 4.23-second brief shuttle.
He caught 49 passes for 676 yards with six touchdowns final season and spent most of his time enjoying inline at tight finish, the place he was an efficient blocker. It would not be shocking to see Sinnott stand up draft boards, however as of now that is the place he is being ranked by analysts.
Round 6: Michigan G Trevor Keegan
The Patriots want choices on their inside offensive line with left guard Cole Strange coming off of an damage and Sidy Sow and Atonio Mafi nonetheless unproven at proper guard.
Keegan was a part of among the best offensive traces in faculty soccer final season and was a three-year starter at left guard.
Round 7: Troy RB Kimani Vidal
Vidal stands simply 5-foot-8, however he is large enough at 213 kilos and ran a 4.46-second 40-yard sprint in Indianapolis.
He was a four-year contributor at Troy and rushed for 1,661 yards with 14 touchdowns as a senior. He additionally added 92 catches for 700 yards with one landing in 4 faculty seasons.
The Patriots may positively use extra depth at working again behind Rhamondre Stevenson.
Source: www.bostonherald.com