Patriots 3-round 2024 NFL Mock Draft: Brock Bowers, Oregon star QB-WR duo selected with first 3 picks

With a 1-3 record after Week 4, the New England Patriots hold the No. 7 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.  Depending on how the rest of the season goes, Bill Belichick could be sitting with an even higher pick or a much lower pick.

For the latter to happen, the Patriots must right the ship after a 38-3 horrendous loss to the Dallas Cowboys.  With the loss of top pass rusher Matthew Judon and rookie cornerback Christian Gonzalez to season-ending injuries, it will be tougher for the Patriots to put forth a winning season.  Should they tank?

That word is not in Belichick’s vocabulary.  But, with a lack of consistent play out of Mac Jones at the quarterback position and an offense struggling even without the excuse of Matt Patricia calling plays, a change is needed in New England even if they turn the ship. This team needs game changers and playmakers and with a high draft pick, the 2024 NFL Draft is setting up for them to finally find some playmaking talent…and perhaps the next GUY at quarterback.

With needs at the tackle, quarterback, wide receiver and defensive line positions, here is how our 3-round 2024 NFL Mock draft shaped up for the New England Patriots.  Keep in mind the team will address other needs in the later rounds.

No. 11: Patriots select Brock Bowers, TE - University of Georgia

With top tackle Joe Alt off the board, the Patriots trade No. 7 overall to the Arizona Cardinals for No. 9 and No. 75.  In true Belichick fashion, he then trades the No. 9 selection to the Green Bay Packers for No. 1 and No. 37.  Instead of standing pat at No. 9 and selecting JC Latham to fill that tackle void, Belichick plays the board and selects tight end Brock Bowers.

While Patriots fans are temporarily calling for Belichick’s head due to his usual trade tactics, the selection of Bowers will have fans seeing the glory days of Rob Gronkowski all over again.  Obviously, Bowers is a talent of his own and has the talent to create his own place in Patriots history instead of filling the shoes of Gronk.

As a pass-catching tight end, Bowers will give the Patriots that big target they were so reliant on in the days of Gronkowski.  Not as big as Gronk, the 6-fooot-4, 240-poind tight end has solidified himself as one of the best players in the country.  His creativity and physicality after the catch will be a true appeal of the Patriots who have historically been a team that featured the tight end in the passing game.

Bowers is a sure bet to be another in short list of tight end greats in New England.  Russ Francis, Ben Coates, Rob Gronkowski and then Brock Bowers?  Considering both Hunter Henry and Mike Gesicki are set to be free agents, drafting a tight end high in the draft isn’t out of the realm of possibility.  If Bowers is in their range, it will be a no-brainer.