The New England Patriots could face a draft dilemma at pick No. 3.
New England needs a quarterback, but Caleb Williams and Drake Maye could get snagged with the first two spots. Ian Rapoport predicted the Patriots would still take the next signal-caller on the board.
“My guess, right now, would be take the best quarterback available,” Rapoport told 98.5 The Sports Hub on Wednesday.
It’s probably an easy call if Williams or Maye are available, but the Patriots could be tempted to pivot to wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. otherwise. Former franchise cornerstone Rob Gronkowski encouraged this avenue.
However, the NFL insider advised them to snag a quarterback, even if it feels like a reach.
“Let’s just say, for the sake of argument, that there are two great quarterbacks at the top of the draft, and the next guy is three,” Rapoport continued. “When else are you gonna be here? Just take him.”
Rapoport said they’re “good for 15 years” if they land the right quarterback, pointing to the Houston Texans picking C.J. Stroud last year. He noted that it’s not always as easy as finding Tom Brady in the sixth round.
In Rapoport’s opinion, not taking a quarterback is an admission that the Patriots expect to have another early pick in 2025. They’d be “building for the long haul,” which he doesn’t think the organization wants.
Jerod Mayo seems to agree with Rapoport. After the Patriots named him Bill Belichick’s successor, the head coach said the team will take “the best player for a position that is very important.”