Nailing the No. 3 pick will be pivotal to Jerod Mayo starting strong as the New England Patriots head coach. He’s not hiding the fact that their biggest need is obvious.
In an interview with CBS News Boston, Mayo offered a not-so-subtle suggestion about what the Patriots will target with the selection.
“We’re gonna draft the best player for a position that is very important,” Mayo said. “You put the pieces together.”
Jerod Mayo was asked about the #Patriots having the No. 3 overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft (via @wbz):
“We’re gonna draft the best player for a position that’s very important. You put the pieces together.” pic.twitter.com/aZxlLF1NfJ
— Mike Kadlick (@mikekadlick) January 17, 2024
He’s probably not talking about a kicker. Mayo likely confirmed the assumption that New England will draft a quarterback.
Three years ago, the Patriots selected Mac Jones with the No. 10 pick to replace Tom Brady. He got benched during his third season, finishing with more interceptions (12) than passing touchdowns (10).
New England tallied the NFL’s second-fewest points and third-fewest total yards during Bill Belichick’s 24th and final season as head coach. Mayo needs a new signal-caller to start a new era.
Luckily for Mayo and the Patriots, a few standout options sit atop the draft board. Unless he’s bluffing, New England will likely leave the first round with Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, or Jayden Daniels.
However, not every analyst has considered quarterback a first-round lock. Three mock drafts compiled by the team site predicted the Patriots to draft wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr.
Those pundits may want to reconsider that projection after hearing Mayo’s comments. While wide receiver is also important, the head coach gave the impression he wants a quarterback at No. 3 on April 25.