The New England Patriots have a rare opportunity to make one of the greatest splashes in recent memory at the 2024 NFL draft. They manage to do so in this week’s seven-round mock draft by pulling off two blockbuster trades with the Minnesota Vikings and Chicago Bears.
The Patriots have a long history of snubbing their noses at high-end offensive playmakers, but that is likely to change now that Bill Belichick is gone and Eliot Wolf is leading the personnel decision-making.
Of course, the team is also in dire need of offensive line help and a future face of the franchise at the quarterback position. The revolving door of Mac Jones, Bailey Zappe and a third wheel veteran signal-caller has worn out its welcome.
In one fell swoop, this mock draft has the Patriots boosting their positions of need, while also creating a roster capable of competing in 2024. Here are the results from the latest seven-round mock draft:
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The Patriots trade the No. 3 overall pick of the draft to the Minnesota Vikings for All-Pro wide receiver Justin Jefferson and the No. 11 pick. It’s a big-time swap that gives the Patriots the best receiver in football, and it puts the Vikings in position to select one of the top-three quarterbacks in the draft.
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It doesn’t matter what moves the Patriots make if they fail to address the horrendous offensive line situation. Trent Brown has been too inconsistent, and Mike Onwenu was playing out of position in 2023.
The Patriots use the No. 11 pick they got from the Vikings on one of the best offensive tackles in the entire draft. Standing at 6-foot-6 and 360 pounds, Latham has the prototypical size with exceptional skills in both pass protection and run blocking. You won’t find many tackles in the league with Latham’s size and athleticism.
He’s a player the Patriots could grab on Day 1 and count on to contribute right out of the gates.
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It makes sense for the Patriots to double dip in this draft to solidify their offensive front. Trent Brown is a pending free agent, and if Michael Onwenu sticks around, it would make more sense for the Patriots to move him back to guard, while slotting in a top rookie draft pick at the other tackle position.
Arizona’s Jordan Morgan would make for a strong rookie tandem with JC Latham. The Patriots would have their tackles for the future with two…
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