Henry McKenna
NFL reporter
Just when Drew Lock’s incompetence appeared ideally suited for the long-term success of the New York Giants, the professional quarterback determined to have the very best recreation of his season – and maybe his profession.
Giants followers hoped he would rating zero touchdowns. Lock threw for 4. (He now has 5 on the season.) And in some way, he did it in opposition to an Indianapolis Colts crew that wanted to win to remain within the playoff hunt?!
It made no sense, besides that, for a downtrodden soccer metropolis like New York, it made all of the sense on this planet.
And now, the Giants are barely in play for the No. 1 general decide.
People in New England had been clearly thrilled. The Patriots moved right into a place of energy for the No. 1 general decide. But it is going to be tough for them to keep up that, as a result of regardless that they’ve been horrible this yr, New England is able to play the Buffalo Bills’ backups in Week 18.
It’s a winnable recreation for Jerod Mayo’s crew, though most in New England are most likely hoping the crew loses. Let’s discuss what occurs if the Pats lose. But first, here is the place the highest 10 at the moment stand within the NFL draft order:
1. New England Patriots (3-13)
2. Tennessee Titans (3-13)
3. Cleveland Browns (3-13)
4. New York Giants (3-13)
5. Jacksonville Jaguars (4-12)
6. Carolina Panthers (4-12)
7. New York Jets (4-12)
8. Las Vegas Raiders (4-12)
9. Chicago Bears (4-12)
10. New Orleans Saints (5-11)
McKenna: The Patriots have already got their quarterback. Drake Maye’s stats do not present it, however he is been distinctive this season, even when burdened by a brutally talentless offensive group. So New England ought to promote this decide to the best bidder.
I believe it is going to be the Las Vegas Raiders, who may transfer up from No. 8 to take Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders. Let’s take a web page from the Bears-Panthers playbook from that commerce in 2023. The Raiders may surrender their No. 1 general decide. 8, within the second spherical of 2025, within the first spherical of 2026 and within the second spherical of 2027. Since 1) this commerce would end in a smaller transfer up within the rankings (the Panthers moved up from ninth place general) and a pair of) the dearth of consensus on this QB class in comparison with 2023, the Patriots would not get the identical worth (with the Panthers getting all that and extra (DJ Moore, particularly.))
Now you’ll be able to see why the Patriots want the No. 1 decide so badly.
No one wished to hitch New England final yr, not the highest offensive coordinator candidates (Liam Cohen, Nick Caley) nor the highest receivers (Calvin Ridley, Brandon Aiyuk). A commerce like this helps the Patriots fill their roster with starting-caliber gamers.
At eighth general, I like them to take Texas offensive sort out Kelvin Banks Jr. But given the failure price (each for New England, particularly, and for the NFL typically), the Patriots would do properly to consider the amount, moderately than perceived high quality. Heck, they may simply return to the primary spherical to stroll away with Banks Jr. and a receiver like Emeka Egbuka.
It could be an awesome day for Maye.
Arthur: I suggest that the Patriots keep and take Colorado two-way famous person Travis Hunter.
The reasoning for making the commerce again assumes that there shall be a battle for the highest two quarterbacks within the draft. What if there wasn’t? There’s a faction of league observers who aren’t satisfied by Sanders and Ward – to not point out this quarterback class as a complete – and which will embody a few of these quarterback-needy groups, who may go the veteran route on this offseason.
Hunter is arguably essentially the most proficient participant on this draft and it is a weak QB class, so there is not any assure he’ll be accessible exterior of the highest three. So, why not take it first general in the event you’re in New England? You want the go catcher: The Patriots’ main receiver is Hunter Henry (674 receiving yards), who’s a decent finish. The Patriots additionally want a blocking nook reverse rising star Christian Gonzalez.
There are many individuals across the league who say Hunter will not be capable of play each nook and vast receiver within the NFL, however there is not any disgrace in letting him attempt. Worst case situation, it does not work and also you make him give attention to one place (most likely cornerback, which is the place he appears to have essentially the most upside). One risk for Hunter is to turn out to be a full-time nook and part-time vast receiver, the place he may very well be utilized in particular packages.
Ben Arthur is an NFL reporter for FOX Sports. He beforehand labored for The Tennessean/USA TODAY Network, the place he was Titans beat the author for a yr and a half. It lined the Seattle Seahawks for SeattlePI.com for 3 seasons (2018-20) earlier than transferring to Tennessee. You can comply with Ben on Twitter at @benyarthur.
Before becoming a member of FOX Sports as an NFL reporter and columnist, Henry McKenna spent seven years masking the Patriots for USA TODAY Sports Media Group and Boston Globe Media. Follow him on Twitter at @henrycmckenna.
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