Final New England Patriots Mock Draft just hours before the 2024 NFL Draft begins

The day is finally here. 

The 2024 NFL Draft will begin at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, which means we no longer have to wait to see what the New England Patriots will do. Will they trade the No. 3 overall pick? Will they take a quarterback? 

Who knows. But I decided to write up one final mock draft just before everything begins. 

A to Z Sports' Final Patriots Mock Draft

Round 1, Pick No. 3: UNC QB Drake Maye

While the Patriots made it clear that they are open for business and willing to trade the No. 3 overall pick. It was reported earlier this week that the offers were all "laughable," and plus they should just keep it anyway. They need a new quarterback after everything that happened last year. 

And UNC's Drake Maye could bring a lot to the struggling Patriots offense. 

Last season, Maye went 269-of-425 for 3,608 yards with 24 touchdowns and nine interceptions last season, along with rushing 92 times for 582 yards with nine rushing touchdowns.

Putting him in a room with a veteran leader like Jacoby Brissett along with Bailey Zappe, who is familiar with the way the Patriots have done things the past few seasons, could be perfect for the rookie to learn the ropes. 

Round 2, Pick No. 37: BYU OT Kingsley Suamataia

TRADE: Patriots give Pick No. 34 in exchange for the Chargers Pick No. 37 and Pick No. 140 (Fifth Round) 

Quarterback, offensive tackle, and wide receiver are the Patriots three biggest needs on offense 

And now that they have picked their quarterback with the third overall pick, another huge need is offensive tackle, specifically one to start on the left side. 

In A to Z Sports' James Foster's Big Board Ranking, Suamataia is ranked 64th overall and is the 9th ranked OT. A lot of teams are looking to draft an offensive tackle so taking one so early in the second round would be a smart decision for the Patriots. 

Round 3, Pick No. 68: UNC WR Devontez Walker

Addressing the third biggest need for the Patriots, they need a some more offensive weapons. And considering they brought in quarterback Drake Maye, why not bring in a receiver he is comfortable playing with? 

Plus Walker is a very solid receiver, finishing last season with  41 receptions for 699 receiving yards and nine receiving touchdowns along with three carries for 23 rushing yards. 

Round 4, Pick No. 103: USC WR Brenden Rice

Can't have too many receivers heading into training camp. Especially considering how last year went for the Patriots. And Jerry Rice's youngest son is next up. 

During Eliot Wolf's media availability prior to the draft, he talked about how the current roster matches up to the team's need for an X receiver. And Rice has the flexibility to play there. 

He also has history with a current Patriots star, having played with Christian Gonzalez at Colorado before transferring to USC. And this last season, he played alongside projected first overall pick Caleb Williams. 

Round 5, Pick No. 140: TE Cade Stover, Ohio State

The Patriots re-signed TE Hunter Henry and also brought in veteran Austin Hooper, along with having La'Michael Pettway and Mitchell Wilcox on the roster. But they could use some additional depth on the roster, so why not bring in a tight end. 

Round 5, Pick No. 162: Clemson EDGE Xavier Thomas

TRADE: Patriots send pick No. 137 to the Arizona Cardinals in exchange for Pick No. 162 and No. 186. 

The Patriots could use another pass rusher, and Xavier Thomas has the ability to help the team in that exact way. 

Round 6, Pick No. 186: S Evan Williams, Oregon

After losing a Jalen Mills, who joined the New York Giants this past offseason, the Patriots could use another safety on the roster. 

Round 6, Pick No. 193: RB Dylan Laube

Acquired from Jacksonville Jaguars in trade for Mac Jones

A local player getting an opportunity to prove himself with the Patriots. 

Round 7, Pick No. 231: WR Jalen Coker, Holy Cross

acquired from Chicago Bears in trade for N'Keal Harry

Another local player getting an opportunity to prove himself with the Patriots.