How NFL Combine Buzz Could Affect Patriots’ Decision With No. 3 Pick

The NFL Scouting Combine has a huge influence on raising or lowering the stocks of prospects, and if things break a certain way, the Patriots might have their hand forced with the No. 3 pick.

MassLive on Thursday reported New England is "zeroing in" on a three-step plan at quarterback. It plans on drafting a future starter at No. 3, signing a veteran and possibly trying to trade Mac Jones. The Athletic on Thursday reported the Patriots "really" want to draft a quarterback at the top of the draft.

No matter the teams, the 2024 NFL Draft is trending toward quarterbacks being selected with the first three picks. And even the ones left after that might not be around long.

"On the idea of passing on a QB at No. 3 (or trading back), there's growing buzz around the league the next tier of quarterbacks could be gone by the time the Patriots pick again at No. 34," The Athletic wrote.

The Athletic added that the buzz around J.J. McCarthy, Bo Nix and Michael Penix Jr. has grown and could continue to do so after the combine. There will be plenty of quarterback-needy teams who might trade up to secure a quarterback, which is why McCarthy's stock grew exponentially heading into the combine.

New England could have its choice between Spencer Rattler or Joe Milton III in the later rounds, but if a quality quarterback isn't guaranteed to be there at No. 34, the Patriots might decide to take a quarterback third overall.

New England has other needs outside of quarterback, so the idea of trading down is a possibility, especially if it's offered a huge haul. The Patriots could take a tackle or Marvin Harrison Jr. with the third overall pick, too.