New England Patriots 2024 NFL Draft Class Primer: The future is now in Foxborough

Coming off a 4-13 season, the New England Patriots will be leaning on their 2024 NFL Draft class to anchor them into the future.  Can these draft selections help fill key holes, while giving fans hope for the future in Foxborough.

It may all start with Drake Maye, who was selected with the No. 3 overall pick in the draft, but it is the rest of the draft class that will need to produce for rookie head coach Jerod Mayo who already had to make a key decision in starting veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett over Maye.

Although it wasn’t the most popular decision, it was understood given the makeshift offensive line and question marks as far as offensive playmakers.  Speaking of the offensive line and wide receivers, the Patriots made those two positions priorities along with quarterback in attacking the draft.  Will those players make an impact or turn into busts? 

Let’s look at which Patriots rookies are primed to make an impact or simply contribute in Year 1 of their NFL careers.

New England Patriots big impact rookie playmakers

Ja’lynn Polk - WR Washington (Round 2, Pick 37): The Patriots traded back in the draft to select Ja'lynn Polk with the No. 37 overall pick in the draft.  It wasn’t a popular choice given the team passed up on Ladd McConkey to move back in the second round to take a player most draft boards had as a third-round pick.  But the more you look at film of Polk during his days with the Washington Huskies, the more you can see why the Patriots drafted him where they did.

A big, bodied receiver at 6-foot-1, 203 pounds, Polk is a physical receiver who will find ways to get open in the offense.  With a knack for making tough plays, the Polk is the type of receiver the Patriots have been trying to fit in their offense the last few seasons if you think about N’Keal Harry or a Davonte Parker.  No shade to either of those players, but with Polk’s work ethic, he should be more successful in the Patriots’ offense than either of those players.

With Kendrick Bourne starting the season on IR, Polk will most likely fill that role as a playmaker with some dog in him who will make impact plays in the passing game.

Season projection: 67 catches, 735 yards, 6 touchdowns.

Caedan Wallace - OT Penn State (Round 3, Pick 68): The Patriots didn’t do much to address their left tackle issues in free agency, but they did select a player in Caedan Wallace who has the size and strength to step into the role.  Selected with the No. 68 overall pick in the draft, this Penn State product played right tackle in college, mostly because Olumuyiwa Fashanu held down the left side.  Known as a good pass protector, Wallace is the best candidate to eventually take over as the team’s left tackle although it may take some time.  He could also be forced into the role if the team continues to have injury concerns along that line and whether veteran tackle Chukwuma Okorafor is able to be serviceable throughout the season. 

At least to start the season, the 6-foot-5, 314-pound offensive lineman could be used at multiple positions along the offensive line with his versatility and skillset.  He will settle down and become a starter before too long, which will give the offensive line a much-needed boost.

Season projection: Starter at left tackle by Week 5.

Predicting Drake Maye’s first start in the NFL

Drake Maye – QB, North Carolina (Round 1, Pick 3):  When will Drake Maye see his first start in the NFL?  That depends on how the Patriots start the season.  If they are competitive with Brissett under center and prove to be better than expected the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft could go the entire season as QB2 if Brissett is able to stay healthy and is doesn’t struggle.

But, if the offense struggles the first few weeks of the season, Mayo will be pressured to put in the kid to see what he can do.  There is no doubt that Maye will make an impact whenever he gets on the field, it’s just a matter of when.  If the team gets off to an 0-3 start and Brissett looks sluggish, expect Maye’s first start to come in Week 4.  With his arm talent and with the mobility he showed in the preseason, he will give the offense a boost and give Patriots fans and the entire New England region something to have hope for going forward.

Season Projection: 65.0% completion percentage, 3,100 yards passing, 15 touchdowns, 7 Int.

Patriots rookies ready to step up

Javon Baker – WR, Central Florida (Round 4, Pick 110):  The fourth round pick out of Central Florida has the talent and confidence to be successful in the NFL.  The question surrounding Javon Baker will be whether he is too confident.  There is no doubt that he can be explosive once he gets the ball in his hands, but his struggles with dropping passes could see him as the odd man out in the wide receiver depth chart from game-to-game.  If he becomes a more reliable pass catcher, he’ll get on the field and give the Patriots that deep threat they have been looking for.

In all, it can go either way for Baker in Year 1.  He could make a big impact or he could spend a lot of time on the inactive list.  That may depend on what type of impacts Tyquan Thornton and Kayshon Bouttee make this upcoming season.

Season projection: 35 catches, 395 yards, 2 touchdowns.

Layden Robinson – RG, Texas A&M (Round 4, Pick 103): With injuries to Cole Strange and Sidy Sow, Patriots fourth-round pick Layden Robinson will need to step up and he will be solid along the offensive line once he settles down.  With the Patriots expected to run the ball, the 6-foot-3, 302-pound guard out of Texas A&M should be a solid contributor as that plays to his strength.  With high expectations for Wallace, it is Robinson who could turn out to be the more successful rookie lineman for the Patriots in 2024.

Season projection: 75.0-plus PFF overall grade at the guard position

Late-round pick everyone will be talking about

Jaheim Bell – TE, Florida State (Round 7, Pick 231):  This Florida State product is entering the season as the Patriots third tight end, but that could change as the season goes forward.  As a talented pass catcher who can break tackles, Jaheim Bell will be a fan favorite when he does get on the field.  With Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper at tight end, Bell may be used in other ways just to get him on the field.  For a team looking for playmakers, this seventh-round pick will be a surprise in 2024.  Don’t be surprised if he is also used as a fullback.

Season projection: 19 catches, 235 yards, 4 touchdowns.