Here’s what readers want the Patriots to do in the 2024 NFL Draft

Patriots fans are looking toward the start of the 2024 NFL Draft, with the possibility of adding potentially franchise-altering talent, with a mix of excitement and anxiety.

The draft begins Thursday evening at 8 p.m. Opinions on what New England should do with the third overall pick vary, as do fans’ opinions on which quarterback they hope the Patriots end up with.

In a recent Boston.com reader survey, more than 380 fans answered questions about whether or not they hope the top pick will be traded, which player should potentially be taken and how much confidence they currently have in the post-Bill Belichick administration. of the team.

The more pertinent question: What should the Patriots do with the third overall pick?

In response, 61 percent of readers said the Patriots should “use the pick to take a quarterback.” The other two options (using the pick to take another position of need, or trading the pick) received 4.7 and 34.6 percent, respectively.

“99% of all Super Bowls played always involve some sort of top-tier quarterback. Even if you write the bust, you have to roll the dice,” said reader Elias of North Shore.

The second most popular position on the issue was that the Patriots should trade the pick to add more depth, allowing another potential quarterback to be selected later in the first round.

“If the Patriots can trade up, get Michael Penix and stock up on valuable draft picks, they’ll be in better shape than they would be if they missed out on their QB pick at 3,” said reader Katie, of Canton .

Speaking of Penix Jr., Washington’s standout quarterback expected to be taken as early as the middle of the first round, New England fans weren’t sure which signal-caller they wanted.

Besides Caleb Williams (who appears to be the Bears’ first overall pick), Boston.com readers were asked to choose from other top quarterbacks Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye, JJ McCarthy, Penix or someone else.

The most popular pick was UNC’s Maye, currently considered by many to be the most likely player the Patriots could pick third overall. He led with a majority of 42.2 percent. Daniels, LSU’s 2023 Heisman Trophy winner, was next at 31.5 percent.

Other notable quarterbacks listed were: JJ McCarthy (12.5%), Penix (9.6%), and former Oregon QB Bo Nix (0.8%).

Still, not everyone wants the Patriots to select a quarterback.

“I believe Marvin Harrison Jr. is a generational (wide receiver),” said Lee C. of Meredith, NH. “His dad was maybe 6 feet tall. (Marvin) Jr. is 6’3″ 225 (pounds). He has speed, hands and route running ability. He has everything.

As for the higher-level question (confidence in the Patriots’ current front office), fans appear willing to give the new regime time. Of those who responded, 57 percent said they were “unsure” about the new direction.

Some are already skeptical, with 20.3 percent saying they are “not confident” in the structure.

“Ownership should have hired a (general manager) or made (Eliot) Wolf general manager,” said Natalie B. of Arlington. “Leaders are too focused on hedging their bets. »

However, some still remain confident, with 22.7% declaring themselves “confident” in the leadership of the Patriots.

“Despite what the talking heads on the radio say, it appears the Patriots have put together a solid coaching staff and personnel department,” Bob A. of Haverhill responded. “It also seems like they realize that teams can’t win if they don’t have a franchise QB and that the only way to get a franchise QB is to go high in the draft.”