6 rings & football things: who will be the patriots captains in 2024?
The Patriots have a massive decision on their hands in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Holding the No. 3 overall pick, they have the opportunity to, for better or for worse, turn their franchise upside down.
If you've read me here on WEEI.com, followed along with me on Twitter, or listened to my takes on the 6 Rings and Football Things podcast, then you're well aware that I think the Patriots should select UNC quarterback Drake Maye with the No. 3 overall pick.
But what do my colleagues at WEEI and WEEI.com think New England should do? I asked them. Here are their answers:
Greg Hill – The Greg Hill Show
“Drake Maye.”
Jermaine Wiggins – The Greg Hill Show
“Jayden Daniels.”
Courtney Cox – The Greg Hill Show
“J.J. McCarthy.”
Chris Scheim – The Greg Hill Show producer
“For me, to paraphrase the exceptional movie Draft Day starring iconic actor Kevin Costner, ‘Drake Maye, no matter what.’”
Chris Curtis – The Greg Hill Show producer
“Maserati Marv”
Andy Gresh – Gresh & Fauria
“Marvin Harrison Jr. I am not Mr. WR like my pal Rich Keefe, but I think Harrison is special. He comes from Hall of Fame bloodlines, has high level production in a high level conference and has room to grow. I just think if the Patriots 'force' QB at #3, that player will always be compared to the greatness of Harrison. And while the need at QB remains, taking a guy that seems to be an ALL PRO level player is never bad.”
Christian Fauria – Gresh & Fauria
“So, Pats should stay put and take a QB. Which QB? Based on what we have heard this week it will be the next available QB after Washington. So, it’s either Maye or Daniels. Don't get caught up in the “draft communities”, mock drafts, and their willingness to elevate JJ. It’s Maye or Daniels. If I had my choice I’m taking Daniels”
Billy Lanni – Gresh & Fauria producer
“I'm drafting Marvin Harrison Jr.
I want a flashy receiver in New England. I haven't been excited about a Patriots wide receiver since Randy Moss was here. I love the idea of having a receiver where you can just chuck it up there and he can pull it down.”
“Chicken” Nick LaPan – Gresh & Fauria producer
“Might be a shock to you... Drake Maye, Drake Maye, Drake Maye. Can't pass on the second-best quarterback prospect, especially if he is sitting there at three. Drake Maye no matter what.”
Adam Jones – Jones & Mego with Arcand
“For me, it's easy. Drake Maye is my favorite prospect in the entire draft. He's big. He's mobile. And, at 21, he still has upside. (Plus, he doesn't sob in his mommy's arms). Draft him and play him Week 1. You won't regret it.”
Meghan Ottolini – Jones & Mego with Arcand, Slammed podcast
“I'd like to see the Patriots stay at No. 3 and pick Drake Maye. Give me a gunslinger with real arm talent and infectious energy on and off the field. Mayo will need a quarterback who can weather a difficult launch pad into the league with the current roster, and Maye presents as coachable. He'll need to be with how questionable some of his throws were in college. However, he can hit throws at all levels when he's on. He's literally a big project but I think he's worth it.”
Christian Arcand – Jones & Mego with Arcand producer
“I had a very different plan for #3 before free agency but now that they’ve struck out and the ownership group has all but declared their intention to draft a QB I would prefer they get Jayden Daniels. If the choice rests between Daniels and Maye or Daniels and McCarthy I’ll go with the Heisman winner over the ACC QB that fell off last year or McCarthy that only threw when he had to. I don’t love any of these QBs and I don’t think they’ll succeed in this offense but my plan was to build an offense this year and the team decided to save it all for the draft. I surrender. Get the QB and pray he’s special.”
Ryan Garvin – Jones & Mego with Arcand producer
“This doesn't need to be complicated. The Patriots need a QB. They have the No.3 pick. Three quarterbacks are almost definitely going with the first three picks. If Maye goes, take Daniels. If Daniels goes, take Maye. Need QB. See QB. Take QB.”
Rich Keefe – The Rich Keefe Show
“#3. MARVIN HARRISON JR.
TAKE THE BEST PLAYER IN THE DRAFT AT A POSITION THAT HAS ALLUDED THE TEAM FOR YEARS. YOU'LL NEED TO TRADE UP FROM 34 TO GRAB BO NIX TO COMPLETE THIS PLAN, BUT GIVE ME HARRISON, WHO WILL BE A TOP 10 WR IN THE NFL FOR THE NEXT 10 YEARS.”
Stanley ‘Stiz’ Bruno – The Rich Keefe Show producer
“This team is not QB-ready! Focus on filling out the line and receivers and then get a QB.. Lord knows we'll be picking Top 5 next year too.”
Andy Hart – WEEI.com, 6 Rings & Football Things podcast
“Stay at No. 3 and take the best quarterback available. Hopefully that is Drake Maye and he’ll compete with Josh Allen as the two top QBs in the AFC East for the next decade. Maye day! Maye day! The Patriots need a franchise QB!”
Nick “Fitzy” Stevens – WEEI.com, 6 Rings & Football Things podcast
“If you were an opposing defensive coordinator and you were game-planning for the Patriots, who would you fear? Who would you lose sleep over figuring out a way to stop? The answer, to date, is nobody. And that has been the answer for years now. While the need for a top QB is undeniable, so is the need for playmaking talent, star power and depth on a roster that is bereft of all three. I would take the best offer from another team looking to jump up and grab a QB, be it the Giants at 6 or the Vikings at 11 and load up on picks for this draft and next year as well. Then turn around and draft the best WR, OT and QB possible with your first three selections, giving the Pats some possible stars, not to mention a cupboard that still has assets aplenty to compete now and win later.
Or just draft Marvin Harrison Jr. at third overall and throw to him 15 times a game.”
Scott McLaughlin – WEEI.com site editor, The Skate podcast
“Take whoever's left between Drake Maye and Jayden Daniels. I believe in both, especially Maye. Quarterback is the most important position. You have an opportunity to take one with a lot of talent and upside. Don't overthink it. Speaking of overthinking, taking JJ McCarthy over Maye or Daniels would be exactly that.”
Justin Turpin – WEEI.com, Slammed podcast
“Take the quarterback! There are four (Maye, Williams, Daniels, McCarthy) to choose from, so you are guaranteed to get one. Winning is going to take some time, so let the new regime get their guy and start developing him. My personal preference is Drake Maye. He's got elite arm talent.”
Rob Bradford – WEEI.com, Baseball Isn’t Boring podcast
“Marvin Harrison Jr. He is going to be the only Hall of Famer in this class and you draft Hall of Famers. He also is the only candidate who owns a Baseball Isn’t Boring t-shirt.”
Jon Lyons – WEEI weekends host
“As long as the Patriots believe that Jayden Daniels or Drake Maye (or both) is a franchise quarterback, they have to take whichever one of those two is left with the third overall pick. The Patriots' quarterback play was abysmal last season. New England ranked 28th in passing yards per game, 27th in passing touchdowns, 30th in quarterback rating and threw 21 interceptions, the second most in the NFL. If you're into advanced stats, the story is just as bad. Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe were tied for the 63rd PFF QB grade and ranked 29th and 31st in Big Time Throws, respectively. Remember folks, there are only 32 teams. Zappe and Jones were worse than most backups in the league. The eye test? Also a failure for the Patriots offense.
Having a new, and even reasonably competent, quarterback would represent a significant upgrade for the Patriots offense. The opportunity to have a franchise quarterback is too good to pass up. You can't win Super Bowls without one. One caveat- if they dislike the quarterbacks available at third overall then they should trade down.”
KJ Carson – WEEI weekends host
“I think the Patriots love 2 QBs at 3 if they’re available. If the QB they’re not in love with is at #3, they should take MHJ. MHJ will give you a generational talent more than a QB you'd settle for. I think the Pats have the QBs ranked Williams, Daniels, Maye.”
Make sure to follow Mike on Twitter @mikekadlick, and follow @WEEI for the latest up-to-date Patriots and Boston sports news!
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