NFL Draft 2024 Rumors: Michael Penix Jr. to Visit Patriots amid Daniels, Maye Buzz

The New England Patriots are continuing to do their due diligence on the top quarterback prospects in the 2024 NFL draft class.

While the Patriots have been linked to LSU's Jayden Daniels and UNC's Drake Maye throughout the leadup to the draft, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported that team brass and coaches are set to host Washington's Michael Penix Jr. for dinner on Monday night before he visits the team on Tuesday.

Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio reported that Penix is following Michigan's J.J. McCarthy, who visited with the Patriots earlier on Monday. Maye and Daniels already had their visits with New England.

The Patriots own the No. 3 pick in the 2024 draft after their disastrous 4-13 finish to the 2023 campaign. The team parted ways with longtime head coach Bill Belichick and replaced him with Jerod Mayo, ushering in a new era. New England shipped away quarterback Mac Jones to the Jacksonville Jaguars earlier this offseason, fueling speculation that the franchise would be seeking its quarterback of the future in the draft.

B/R's NFL Scouting Department predicted in its latest mock draft that the Patriots would select Daniels with the No. 3 pick. The 2023 Heisman Trophy winner would be a game-changer for New England thanks to his dual-threat skills.

Penix, on the other hand, is projected as a third-round pick in the mock draft. However, the former Husky is a gifted passer who will thrive in the right situation in the NFL. His injury history likely put a dent in his draft stock, but he will be a strong addition for whichever team that takes a chance on him.