While many believe the New England Patriots will take a quarterback that could be their next franchise QB with their top pick in April, a new report claims they may go in a very different direction that could disappoint some fans of the team.

The New England Patriots own the third overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. It is a selection that could affect the franchise for years based on what player they go with, and there are some very interesting options available in a couple of months.

This year’s draft class has three QBs that have Pro Bowl potential. While USC star Caleb Williams is unlikely to be available at three, 2023 Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels or North Carolina star Drake Maye will be. So will Ohio State cant-miss wide receiver prospect Marvin Harrison Jr. Suffice it to say, the new regime in New England has a tough choice to make with a major need at QB, and in general for impact players after a terrible season last year.

However, one notable NFL insider believes the team may not stay at that spot to take one of the best available players in this year’s draft class. On Wednesday, NFL Media league insider Ian Rapoport suggested there is a real chance the Patriots could trade out of the pick and go with a quantity over quality approach to the NFL Draft.

Could the New England Patriots trade down in the 2024 NFL Draft?

“Two and three, which are the Commanders and Patriots, both are potential trade spots. Could they take a franchise quarterback? Absolutely,” Rapoport said. “You have Drake Maye, you have Jayden Daniels, both of these guys are viewed as long-term franchise-altering starting quarterbacks. The question is do the Commanders and Patriots feel they are a quarterback away?

“Do they feel this is a franchise guy they absolutely have to take and build around them for the next ten years? Or would they have the draft capital, and give the quarterback to someone else? … Which is better value for these two teams which do not seem to be close to competing? Is it the draft picks or a franchise quarterback?”

Since QB is the most important position in the league it would seem like a no-brainer to take one this year if three players have superstar potential. However, the New England Patriots have a lot of holes to fill after a 4-13 season. It will be a very difficult decision to make as they go through the draft evaluation process over the next few weeks.