As the offseason progresses, new coach Jerod Mayo has given supporters of the New England Patriots something to look forward to as the team enters the post-Bill Belichick era.
Following his official promotion on Wednesday, Mayo discussed his early impressions on the team’s plans for the No. 3 choice in the 2024 NFL draft in an interview with CBS News. Mayo, a former linebacker who spent his entire eight-year career in New England, remained silent regarding possible selections but provided enough information to imply that the team will try to solve its quarterbacking problems, per the Patriot Way. “Let me clarify: we will select the top player in the draft to fill a critical role. ”You put the pieces together,” Mayo said with a laugh during an interview with WBZ-TV’s Steve Burton.
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Mayo’s response might not make it too difficult for NFL fans to figure out which direction the first-year coach and the Patriots are leaning in advance of April’s draft, especially after inheriting a squad with problems at quarterback. After starting QB Bailey Zappe in Week 13 in place of incumbent starter Mac Jones, New England (4–13) finished a disappointing 2023 season.
Zappe guided the team to a 2–4 record during the final six weeks. Based on Mayo’s hint, the Pats will probably target one of the few well-known quarterbacks in this year’s class, such as Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, and 2023 Heisman champion Jayden Daniels, when they enter the Detroit draft in 2024. However, New England will leave its options open during the summer since there are still a lot of questions to be answered.