ESPN Mock Draft: Patriots Select Quarterback, Left Tackle to Start Rebuilding
With the NFL Scouting Combine in the rearview mirror, things are starting to come into clear view regarding the upcoming Draft. Prospects have had opportunities to make their impression, and now teams will begin finalizing their draft boards.
The weeks leading up to April for the New England Patriots will be crucial as they try to decide who to pick at No. 3 overall. Will it be their next franchise quarterback, an offensive tackle, or even a playmaker?
In a new post-combine mock draft from ESPN's Jordan Reid, the Patriots are projected to take a quarterback, the reigning Heisman Trophy-winner Jayden Daniels.
"They need more than just a starting quarterback, but with around $100 million in cap space, New England can fill holes in free agency and draft Daniels -- an exceptional vertical passer with good touch on his throws -- to build around him," Reid writes. "The Heisman Trophy winner also has mobility traits to help mask some of the team's deficiencies."
Arizona Wildcats left tackle Jordan Morgan (left) and LSU Tigers quarterback Jayden Daniels (right).
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While Reid does add that he isn't "convinced" that the Patriots will take a quarterback "at this spot," it is hard to argue against the selection of Daniels. With the Chicago Bears taking Caleb Williams before the Washington Commanders selected Drake Maye, the Patriots still end up with a top signal-caller in Daniels.
The now former LSU star may not possess the same elite arm strength as his counterparts who were selected before him in this mock. However, he does bring his own unique trait, as Reid notes: mobility.
In addition to throwing for nearly 4,000 yards in a video game-like senior season, Daniels rushed for 1,134 yards and 10 touchdowns, spearheading an LSU offense that led the nation in points per game. He'd bring the scrambling ability to help mask the problems of a potentially struggling offensive line.
However, the potential struggles of the offensive line won't happen without the help of Jordan Morgan, who Reid projects the Patriots to take with their second-round selection.
"I mentioned the offensive tackle situation in New England, and if you're going to draft a franchise quarterback with a top-three pick (Daniels), you better protect him. Morgan could provide stability at tackle or guard," Reid writes.
At 6-foot-5 and 311 pounds, that versatility could be valuable for the Patriots, who could lose their starting left tackle and traditional right guard this offseason due to free agency. Trent Brown's future in New England is all but over, as evidenced by his decision to sit out of their Week 18 loss to the New York Jets.
However, the future Michael Onwenu, who played right guard most of his time in Foxboro, moved to right tackle this past season to provide stability, is uncertain as he is set to be highly sought after.
While Morgan played left tackle in college, serving as a three-year starter at Arizona, some see him suited to play guard in the NFL. Nevertheless, both are needs for the Patriots this offseason, which would make Morgan a sensible pick.
