Analyst says Patriots 'should' pass on QB in first round of NFL Draft

The Patriots currently own the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft and most "experts" believe they will go quarterback with it.

NFL.com's Adam Rank is not among them, however, as he says New England "should" pass on the position in his latest mock draft with a twist — what every team "should" do in Round 1.

After the Chicago Bears select USC QB Caleb Williams with pick No. 1 and the Washington Commanders take LSU QB Jayden Daniels with pick No. 2, Rank has the Patriots opting to draft Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr.

"You're in even worse shape than the Commanders, despite picking behind them," Rank writes. "Don't reach for the quarterback here. I know you did pretty well with a Michigan man under center in the past, but that kind of thing never works a second time. ... Trade this pick if you can. Get the haul before the Cardinals do. If not, you can take Marvin Harrison Jr."

Rank is referring to Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy, who has been flying up draft boards since leading the Wolverines to a national championship. McCarthy has thrown for 5,710 yards, 44 touchdowns and just nine interceptions from 2022-23.

However, going quarterback at pick No. 3 wouldn't be a reach for a team with a clear need at the position.

Plus, UNC QB Drake Maye, who's thrown for 7,929 yards, 62 touchdowns and 16 interceptions the past two seasons, is still there for the taking as well.

Landing an elite playmaker such as Harrison Jr. would be a smart move for the Patriots if they already had a quarterback, but that isn't the case as Jacoby Brissett is in line to start as of now.

Harrison Jr. would be difficult to pass up on after he had 144 catches for 2,474 yards and 28 touchdowns from 2022-23, but he won't be able to replicate that success without a good quarterback, especially at the NFL level.

Rank makes an interesting argument, but it would be a big mistake for New England to not take advantage of a draft with so much quarterback talent. Harrison Jr. would be a luxury while quarterback is a necessity.