Patriots Post-Combine 7-Round Mock Draft: Shocker at QB Leads the Way

It's about to be a new era for the New England Patriots, in a wide variety of different ways. Not only are the Patriots moving on from the Bill Belichick era in 2024, but we could also see this team officially move on from former first-round QB Mac Jones.

The Patriots hold the third overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft and currently have one selection in every round. New head coach Jerod Mayo knows the kind of culture that has made the Patriots such a successful franchise in the past, and he's going to know how to pick guys to fit that culture moving forward.

How will the Patriots attack the 2024 NFL Draft after what we saw at the NFL Combine? Let's take a crack at predicting all of their picks in a brand-new 7-round mock draft.

1. (3rd overall): JJ McCarthy, QB, Michigan

Why not start off this New England Patriots mock draft with a little bit of a controversial pick, right?

The NFL Draft rarely goes exactly as you expect it to. There's rarely a consensus in early March that comes to fruition in April. The unpredictability of the NFL Draft is part of what makes it such a fun event year after year.

I would venture to guess that the Patriots and every team that met with JJ McCarthy came away impressed with the Michigan quarterback. Not only is McCarthy physically gifted, but he's a smart, charismatic player at the game's most important position.

The last Patriots dynasty happened with a former Michigan man under center. Maybe history could repeat itself?

In all seriousness, I think McCarthy has what it takes to be the leader of a team at the NFL level. He's going to be able to come in and operate an offense to perfection. He doesn't make a ton of mistakes. He's a playmaker when he needs to be. He came through clutch for Michigan in big situations. I like his projection a lot at the next level and I think the Patriots will too.