New England Patriots Biggest Offseason Needs - 2024 NFL Outlook

It was a rough year for the New England Patriots in 2023. They started the season 2-9 with Mac Jones, and then Bailey Zappe took over for Jones in the final six games. Zappe led the Patriots to a 2-4 record to end the year, but it's safe to say neither will be the starting quarterback in 2024. 

That's because the Patriots currently hold third overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. With Jerod Mayo taking over as New England's head coach, there are likely going to be major changes this offseason. 

So, what are the Patriots' biggest needs this offseason? Who will they select third overall in the draft?

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What Are The New England Patriots Biggest Offseason Needs?

After finishing 4-13 last year, there are a lot of needs the Patriots have to address this offseason. However, the biggest is at the quarterback position. Jones and Zappe didn't show much growth in 2023 and struggled through the air. The two signal-callers combined for 3,392 yards, 16 touchdowns, and 21 interceptions. That's not good enough for a team looking to turn it around. 

#Patriots QB Mac Jones is back to work — at H5 Sports Barn in Aledo, TX.

He’s working out alongside former Pats QB Jarrett Stidham among others.

(IG: h5sportsbarn) pic.twitter.com/oRc6Ui1Qn4

— Mike Kadlick (@mikekadlick) February 19, 2024

Wide receiver and offensive line are two more areas New England has to upgrade this offseason. 2023 fifth-round rookie Demario Douglas showed some promise in his first year -- totaling 49 catches for 561 yards -- but he was the only bright spot in the receiving game. DeVante Parker, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Tyquan Thornton, and Kendrick Bourne all had poor seasons. So, the team desperately needs a playmaker on the outside. 

The offensive line position is also an area the Patriots will need to upgrade in the spring. Both of their tackles (Trent Brown and Mike Onwenu) are free agents. If New England re-signs them, they will be in a better spot. However, this is still an area they will need to attack during the draft. 

Who Should The Patriots Target In The NFL Draft?

The Patriots will hold the third overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, and they will almost certainly take a quarterback with that selection. New England is guaranteed one of the top three quarterbacks in this draft class: Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, or Jayden Daniels. While it's unlikely Williams falls to them at three, unless they trade up, Maye or Daniels are strong possibilities at that pick. 

Mock draft szn.

📰: https://t.co/xtFsUgORon pic.twitter.com/DVIBlulws8

— New England Patriots (@Patriots) February 19, 2024

Nevertheless, we shouldn't count out Marvin Harrison Jr. with this pick either. Harrison is one of the best wide receiver prospects in recent years, and this position remains an area of need for New England.

If the Patriots do go the quarterback route in round one, look for the team to upgrade the offensive line and wide receiver position in the next couple of rounds. Chad Graff of The Athletic has New England taking offensive tackle Patrick Paul from Houston in round two and wide receiver Roman Wilson from Michigan in round three in his first mock draft. 

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