This Radical Draft Approach Can Rapidly Rebuild New England

New England takes on some risk with this maneuver, but it can also jumpstart this offensive rebuild that the Patriots desperately need. Bill Belichick would most likely have to be gone for this to come true, but after back-to-back losing seasons, the 71-year-old will be doing his thing somewhere else, and that's okay!

The defense performed very well this season outside of the Dallas and Saints games. Getting Judon and Christian Gonzalez back makes that unit even more formidable, so focusing on the offensive side of the ball is naturally what they should do.

Round 1 Pick 3: Marvin Harrison Jr, WR Ohio State

Marv might be the safest pick in this draft class, with about as hype as anyone I mentioned above. At 6'4, 205 pounds, he's a mammoth man who can run a sub 4.4. The lineage brings instant star power to New England, which it desperately needs.

Pairing Harrison with Demario Douglas and whoever they add in free agency gives the team an incredible upgrade to how they can play offense. Harrison is a true alpha receiver and would dictate coverage and allow the other receivers on the team some easier matchups. He gives the defensive coordinators someone to fear in the passing game, which the Pats have been missing for years.

"Combines elite speed with his size, and he accelerates off the line much better than most big receivers. He’s elite in contested-catch situations, using his frame effectively to make plays facing the quarterback. He also shows a knack for high-pointing the ball, consistently outmuscling defensive backs." NFLDraftBuzz.com

This is a classic example of the best player available that also fits a huge need for the franchise. He would come in and immediately be the face of the franchise. We wouldn't have to see Bill Belichick's images when they preview primetime games. Harrison might be the best mix of safety and ceiling in one.

TRADE UP! Round 1 Pick 11: Jayden Daniels, QB LSU

The Patriots would be dealing with the Bears after they traded back from 1 overall to 11th. New England would send them the 35th overall pick and a first-round draft pick for 2025. The Bears would have two firsts in back-to-back drafts, putting the finishing touches on their rebuild, and the Patriots have a second chance at a franchise quarterback.

Jayden Daniels is one of the best athletes in this class; he played against top-tier competition and easily ran around most of them. He has a rocket for an arm and can be relied on to make a big play at any moment. Daniels is a player that doesn't have to have everything go exactly according to plan to move the ball.

"Jayden Daniels' 2023 season is a case study in the traits NFL scouts salivate over in a dual-threat quarterback. His mobility and arm are tailor-made for modern offenses, particularly in RPO (Run-Pass Option) and quick-pass scenarios. His standout performance against Florida, where he became the first player in FBS history to pass for 350 yards and rush for 200 in a single game, wasn't just record-setting; it was a showcase of his high-ceiling potential." NFLDraftBuzz.com

His escapability and elusiveness are elite. He has strong ball placement and carried a team with a horrible defense. Daniels isn't perfect; he has room for improvement in his pocket presence and mechanics to maximize his potential. That fact alone is why the Patriots should give up the additional capital to take a chance on Jayden; he won the Heisman without reaching his peak.

The second part is pairing him with Marvin Harrison Jr because he needs someone to catch passes from. People want to knock Daniels because he played with Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr., but that wouldn't be an issue if they added MHJ, who gives him a number threat and outs him right back into position to prove to the world he's an NFL stud.

Round 3 Pick 67: Dominick Puni, Tackle Kansas

The flashy part of this mock draft is over, but here comes another essential part: the Patriots can't go into another season with the tackle situation how it is, even with how quickly MHJ can get open and Daniels's escapability that position needs to get a rehaul. Puni is a strong, smart, and agile tackle who never gave up a sack in the two years at Kansas.

"Showing some nastiness to his game, he will sustain blocks through the whistle, thriving when he’s in the phone booth. Fires off the line of scrimmage with good initial power at the point of attack. Puni consistently holds his own against mammoth defensive tackles, and his hand strength allows him to grip and move opponents in the run game." NFLDraftBuzz.com

His kick slide could use some work, and he needs to improve his readjustment ability when he gets countered as well, which is why he is a day-three pick, but he shows enough potential to be a starter or a very versatile depth piece. He has played snaps at left guard as well as tackle.

End Of Rant

I'll probably be crushed for this article, but if it actually happened, I can't imagine a happier person in the world than I would be after the draft. Marvin Harrison Jr and Jayden Daniels instantly give this team star power and a real pulse on offense. This would be the best defense that Daniels has ever played with they would be a wild card threat by this time next season.

After another strong offseason after that, they could be in the Super Bowl conversation if everything goes well and they develop properly.

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