Patriots

40 prospects Patriots fans should watch for during 2024 NFL Draft

The 2024 NFL Draft is stocked with plenty of talent — especially at quarterback, wide receiver, and tackle.

By Conor Ryan

April 25, 2024

• Facebook
• Twitter
• Email
• Email
• 1

The 2024 NFL Draft is finally here.

The Patriots hold a potential franchise-altering pick at No. 3, but Jerod Mayo, de-facto GM Eliot Wolf, and the rest of New England’s top brass have several holes to address across this team’s draft chart. 

Thankfully for New England, the 2024 NFL Draft class is stacked with blue-chip prospects, especially at several areas of need like quarterback, offensive tackle, and wide receiver. 

Here’s a look at the 2024 NFL Draft schedule, as well as which picks New England currently holds.

NFL Draft schedule 

• Round 1: April 25, 8 p.m. ET

• Rounds 2-3: April 26, 7 p.m. ET

• Rounds 4-7: April 27, noon ET

Patriots draft picks

Round 1: (3rd overall)
Round 2: (34th overall)
Round 3: (68th overall)
Round 4: (103rd overall)
Round 5: (137th overall)
Round 6: (180th overall)
Round 6: (193rd overall) via Jaguars
Round 7: (231st overall) via Bears

With the 2024 NFL Draft set to get underway later tonight, here are 40 prospects that Patriots fans should keep tabs on over the next few days: 

QB Drake Maye, North Carolina 

If you’ve been following along with the Patriots and their draft plans over the last few months, you’re already very familiar with Maye and a few of the other signal-callers in this draft class. The Patriots are in desperate need of a franchise quarterback, and Maye fits the bill — boasting a pro-ready frame (6-foot-4, 223 pounds), strong arm, and plenty of upside at just 21 years old. 

Even if Maye might need a year to learn New England’s system and acclimate to the NFL ranks, the Patriots have a plan in place with veteran Jacoby Brissett capable of stepping in as a bridge starter. 

QB Jayden Daniels, LSU

Another uber-talented QB prospect linked to the Patriots for months now, Daniels arguably boasts the highest ceiling among that group thanks to his dual-threat capabilities.

He won the Heisman Trophy with the Tigers in 2023 after accumulating 4,946 total yards with 50 total touchdowns through the air and on the ground. Even with some concerns about his slight frame and knack for trying to fight through contact, Daniels could be a game-changing force on offense. 

The odds are that at least one of Daniels or Maye will be off the board by the time New England picks at No. 3, but Daniels is reportedly not too keen on joining the Washington Commanders — who sit at No. 2. 

QB J.J. McCarthy, Michigan

No QB has seen their stock soar quite as high as McCarthy, who has received praise from scouts and coaches for his championship resume, leadership intangibles, athleticism, and footwork. He completed 72.3% of his passes on a loaded Michigan team, but was not the primary conduit of offense on a run-heavy roster. 

McCarthy would be a surprise to some if New England took him at No. 3 overall, but the Patriots could also try to target the 2023 national champion if the team trades down in the first round. 

QB Michael Penix Jr., Washington

Another potential option if New England trades down in the first round (or even in the early second), Penix is an intriguing talent who led Washington to a national title game in 2023.

He’s got a big arm and has been praised for his ability to command an offense, but he’s an older prospect (23 years old) who’s already trudged through two ACL tears and surgery on both of his shoulders. The lefty threw for 4,903 yards with 36 touchdowns and 11 interceptions last season. 

WR Adonai Mitchell, Texas

The Patriots are in desperate need of some game-changing talent on offense — with all signs pointing to New England adding at least one promising pass-catcher before the end of Round 3. Mitchell might be off the board by the time the Patriots pick at No. 34, but if New England trades back on Thursday and adds another first-round pick (No. 23 from Minnesota?), Mitchell could be a very tempting pickup. 

A dynamic outside receiver, Mitchell boasts blazing speed (3.43-second 40-yard dash) and recorded a first down or touchdown on 81.8% of his receptions last season with the Longhorns — the best total among this receiver class. 

WR Xavier Worthy, Texas

He’s fast. Really fast. Worthy elevated his stock with a stellar showing at the NFL Scouting Combine in February — breaking the scouting combine record for the fastest 40-yard dash (4.21 seconds) while also posting a 41-inch vertical leap. There might be some concerns about his slight frame (5-foot-11, 165 pounds), but Worthy could be the deep-threat target that the Patriots are searching for. 

OT Tyler Guyton, Oklahoma

Another prospect who might be off the board unless New England adds another pick in the first round, Guyton projects as a potential Day 1 starter for an NFL team looking for some fortitude at the tackle position. 

Even though New England signed tackle Chukwuma Okorafor earlier this offseason, Guyton is a force at 6-foot-8, 322 pounds who has all of the tools in place to thrive as a blindside protector at the next level. 

WR Keon Coleman, Florida State 

Coleman fits the bill of what the Patriots might be looking for in an outside receiver with the 34th pick. Even though he’s not the fastest option on the board (4.61-second 40), he’s a big body (6-foot-4, 215 pounds) who reeled in plenty of 50-50 catches along the sidelines with FSU. He recorded 50 catches for 658 yards and 11 touchdowns last season. 

DB Mike Sainristil, Michigan

The Patriots likely aren’t targeting a defensive back with one of their first two picks in this draft class. But Sainristil is still a player worth keeping tabs on due to his local roots. 

One of the heroes of Michigan’s CFB championship win over Washington, Sainristil is expected to be off the board by the early second round. One of just five FBS players with at least six interceptions last season, he’s drawn praise for his athleticism and ball-hawk mentality. 

WR Ladd McConkey, Georgia

An effective route-runner who can carve up defenses in a variety of ways, McConkey would provide a major lift to New England’s offense in 2024 and beyond. Even though injuries limited him to just 30 catches for 478 yards in 2023, McConkey’s tape highlights a prospect with an established track record of getting open and moving the chains. 

OT Kingsley Suamataia, BYU

Another viable option for the Patriots early in the second round, Suamataia is another prospect who could slot in right away at left tackle for the Patriots in 2024. A 6-foot-5, 326-pound prospect, he can play both at left and right tackle — earning second-team All Big 12 honors in 2023. His athleticism also paints the picture of an offensive lineman with plenty of room to grow at the next level.

OT Kiran Amegadjie, Yale

Amegadjie might be regarded as more of a raw prospect when compared to other options at tackle like Suamataia or Guyton, but the 6-foot-5, 323-pound prospect is considered to be a high-ceiling option for a team in need of offensive line help. He earned First-team All-Ivy honors the past two seasons, but was limited to just four games in 2023 due to a quad injury.  

WR Xavier Legette, South Carolina

Yet another outside wideout who the Patriots could target on Day 2 of the draft, Legette reeled in 71 catches for 1,255 yards and seven touchdowns last season with South Carolina. He was able to hold off defensive backs thanks to his 6-foot-1, 221-pound frame and strong hands. 

WR Troy Franklin, Oregon

The top receiving target for the Ducks in 2023, Franklin used his blend of size (6-foot-2) and speed (4.41 40-yard dash) to fight off defenders and gain yardage after the catch. A Second Team All-American, Franklin tied for third in the FBS with 14 touchdowns — a school record — while recording 1,383 yards. Even with his lofty stat line, Franklin will need to put on some weight at the next level (176 pounds). 

WR Roman Wilson, Michigan 

Michigan might have done most of its damage in the trenches during the 2023 season, but Wilson developed a strong rapport with McCarthy as the Wolverines’ top aerial threat with 12 total touchdowns. Even though his route-running may not be as crisp as McConkey, Wilson’s athleticism and smooth stride allow him to separate from defenders in the open field. 

WR Devontez Walker, North Carolina

If the Patriots opt to take Maye with the No. 3 pick, they could pair him up with his dependable collegiate target in Walker. A projected third-round pick, Walker has impressive speed (4.36 40-yard dash) and reeled in 41 catches for 699 yards and seven touchdowns with the Tar Heels in just eight games during the 2023 season. 

WR Ricky Pearsall, Florida

Similar to McConkey, Pearsall is a prospect who most offensive coordinators would likely covet thanks to his athleticism, route-running abilities, and overall versatility within a team’s offensive scheme. He could stand to add a few pounds (189 pounds), but Pearsall reeled in 65 catches for 965 yards and four touchdowns last season with the Gators. 

OT Patrick Paul, Houston

Paul could offer good value to the Patriots if he manages to drop into the third round. Still, a team might opt to take a flier on him earlier on the draft leaderboard — especially given his 6-foot-7, 333-pound frame. He may not be a Day 1 starter, but Paul is the type of project that an NFL coaching staff would love to work with during training camp. 

WR Ja’Lynn Polk, Washington 

New England may not be in a position to snag Washington star wideout Rome Odunze, but Polk could be a nice Day 2 pickup for the team. Polk lined up all over the field for a Penix-led offense in 2023, catching 69 balls for 1,159 yards and eight touchdowns. Has good size at 6-foot-1, 203 pounds. 

OT Blake Fisher, Notre Dame

An athletic tackle who measures out at 6-foot-6 and 310 pounds, Fisher was a stalwart at right tackle for the majority of his time in South Bend. 

The projected Day 2 pick actually beat out Joe Alt for the Irish’s starting left tackle spot as a freshman, but lost the job after getting injured in his first game (with Alt subsequently locking down that spot en route to a likely top-10 selection in this upcoming draft). His ceiling may not be as high as Alt’s, but Fisher is a young prospect (21 years old) further bolstered by his versatility. 

S Calen Bullock, USC

The Patriots already have some thumpers in their secondary with Jabrill Peppers and Kyle Dugger. But a player like Bullock could add a different element as a speedy coverage option capable of roaming around in the defensive backfield. The First Team All-Pac-12 selection does have some work to do when it comes to defending the run, which could drop him into the fourth round. 

WR Malachi Corley, Western Kentucky

Corley has drawn comparisons to 49ers star wideout Deebo Samuel thanks to his ability to separate from defenders and rack up yards after the catch. A dangerous slot option during his time at Western Kentucky, Corley finished with 79 receptions, 984 yards, and 11 touchdowns last season. 

As noted by ESPN’s Field Yates, Corley posted 2,068 yards after the catch (most in FBS) and broke or evaded 77 tackles on catches (2nd most in FBS) over his last three seasons. 

LB Payton Wilson, N.C. State

If the Patriots do turn their focus to the defensive side of the ball on Day 2, Wilson could be a nice pickup for a linebacker corps that could use some reinforcements. The winner of the 2023 Butkus Award, given to the best linebacker in college football, Wilson was also the ACC Defensive Player of the Year after leading the conference in tackles (138) and tackles for a loss (17.5). 

WR Javon Baker, UCF

Surprise, surprise — another outside receiver target for the Patriots. Baker put up big numbers at UCF in 2023, recording 1,139 receiving yards to go along with seven touchdowns. Much like Coleman, Baker is not exactly a speedster (4.54-second 40) but he did generate five plays of 50 or more yards last season with the Knights. 

DE Jalyx Hunt, Houston Christian 

A potential diamond in the rough out of Houston Christian, Hunt is a former safety at Cornell who turned into a pass-rushing force later in his collegiate career. The 2023 Southland Conference Defensive Player of the Year (6.5 sacks), the 6-foot-4 Hunt is another project who needs to add mass to beat offensive linemen in the NFL ranks. 

TE Ben Sinnott, Kansas State

The Patriots re-signed Hunter Henry and brought aboard Austin Hooper this offseason, but Sinnott could be a useful blocking weapon on New England’s roster with room to grow as a pass-catcher at the next level. A former walk-on fullback, Sinnot is more than just a capable blocker — leading Kansas State with 676 receiving yards in 2023 while still lining up as a fullback when needed. 

TE Cade Stover, Ohio State

Another potential option at tight end, Stover was a First-Team All-Big-Ten selection with the Buckeyes in 2023. Even though he caught 41 passes for 576 yards and five touchdowns last season, he’s also a physical blocker. He entered Ohio State as the eighth-ranked high-school linebacker in the nation and a semifinalist for the High School Butkus Award. 

OG Zak Zinter, Michigan

Once regarded as a potential first-round pick, the North Andover native has seen his draft stock drop after suffering a broken tibia in November. But the first-team All-American might be a great value pick on Day 2 for a team willing to show some patience as he recovers from his major injury. The tape doesn’t lie when it comes to the former Buckingham Browne & Nichols standout and his ceiling as a standout NFL guard. 

CB Elijah Jones, Boston College

He might be tabbed as a fourth or fifth-round pick, but Jones is a physical corner with good height (6-foot-1) and length (76-inch wingspan) who led the ACC last season with five interceptions and 13 passes defended. In 2023, Jones earned an 86.6 defensive grade from PFF and 89.8 coverage grade, which ranked sixth in the country.

CB Cam Hart, Notre Dame

If the Patriots want to take a flier on a defensive back with elite measurables (but so-so production), Hart might be right in their wheelhouse. Even with his 6-foot-3 frame as a cornerback, Hart also ran a 4.5-second 40 and has 33-inch arms. That blend of speed and size could make him a tough matchup against big-bodied wideouts, but he also only had two interceptions over his four-year career at Notre Dame. 

RB Isaac Guerendo, Louisville

Even though New England already has some established talent in the backfield with Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson, a speedster like Guerendo could be a useful complement to that group — and potential insurance with Stevenson entering the last year of his deal. 

Guerendo, who recorded a blistering 4.33-second 40-yard dash, rushed for 810 yards with 11 touchdowns last season while also catching 22 passes. 

RB Blake Corum, Michigan

One of the engines that made Michigan’s offense go in 2023, Corum could be a strong third or fourth-round add for New England if they’re looking for a physical, downfield runner to add to the mix. Even though he’s only 5-foot-8, he doesn’t play like it on the field — leading the FBS last season with a school-record 27 rushing touchdowns. 

OL Christian Mahogany, Boston College

An All-ACC First Team selection this past season, Mahogany could be an entrenched stalwart on New England’s interior O-line if the Patriots target him in the third or fourth round. Over the last four seasons at Chestnut Hill, Mahogany started 23 games at right guard and 11 games at left guard. 

DE Eric Watts, Connecticut 

Even though Watts’s production with the Huskies may not exactly leap off the page (2.0 sacks), he could be a fifth or sixth-round pickup thanks to his pro-ready measurables (6-foot-5, 274 pounds, 84-inch wingspan). He’s likely more of a project who might only be a situational pass rusher, but Watts might be a player worth targeting at that stage of the draft. 

OT Frank Crum, Wyoming 

Another potential late-round pickup for the Patriots on the O-line, Crum was a four-year starter at Wyoming who is a big body at 6-foot-8, 314 pounds. He was also a basketball standout in high school, with Crum first cousins with former Gonzaga star Adam Morrison — who was taken No. 3 overall in the 2006 NBA Draft. 

WR Jalen Coker, Holy Cross

New England could add an intriguing playmaker on Day 3 with Coker, who torched FCS defenses during his time in Worcester. Over his last two seasons, Coker reeled in 109 catches for 1,949 yards and 26 total touchdowns. Coker’s strong frame (6-foot-1, 208 pounds) and ability to elevate over defenders (42.5-inch vertical jump) allowed him to reel in many 50-50 balls over his collegiate career. 

OL Kyle Hergel, Boston College

A potential Day 3 pickup for the Patriots on the O-line, Hergel earned Second Team All-ACC honors last season with the Eagles. Hergel, who had previous stops at the University of North Dakota and Texas State, has also shown a willingness to take snaps at center. 

RB Dylan Laube, UNH 

A versatile back who stuffed the stat sheet during his time in Durham, Laube has led the FCS in all-purpose yards in each of the last two years. In 2023, Laube led UNH in nine stats: rushes, rushing yards, rushing TDs, receptions, receiving yards, TD receptions, kickoff return yards, kickoff return average, and punt return yards. He finished his career at New Hampshire with 2,773 rushing yards to go with 171 career receptions and 1,791 receiving yards.

OG C.J. Hanson, Holy Cross

A first-team All-Patriot League selection the last two seasons, Hanson could be another solid Day 3 pick for New England if it’s looking for more depth on the O-line. An athletic guard who paved the way for the Crusaders’ run-heavy offense, Hanson also logged some reps at center during the East-West Shrine Bowl earlier this winter. 

K Will Reichard, Alabama 

Could the Patriots really draft a kicker for the second year in a row? They might have to accept the scenario after Chad Ryland’s sizable struggles during the 2023 season. Reichard became the NCAA’s all-time scoring leader during his five seasons with the Crimson Tide, connecting on 82 field goals and 293 PATs. He earned First-Team All-SEC honors in 2023 after hitting 88% of his field-goal attempts.