Patriots projected to trade third pick in latest mock draft

The speculation over what the Patriots will do with the third overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft only seems to intensify with each week.

One of the main drivers of the widening uncertainty (or the perception of it) are the week-to-week mock drafts. The latest, coming from ESPN draft analyst Matt Miller, projects a fascinating scenario: The Patriots trade down in a blockbuster deal with the Vikings.

After the Bears pick Caleb Williams and the Commanders take Jayden Daniels first and second overall, respectively, New England cuts a deal with Minnesota in Miller's forecast:

• Patriots get: Three first-round picks (Nos. 11 and 23 in 2024, and also the Vikings' top pick in 2025)
• Vikings get: No. 3 pick in 2024

With the acquired pick, the Vikings would then take North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye (a player the Patriots have been extensively linked to in the pre-draft process).

As for Jerod Mayo's Patriots, Miller has New England using the 11th pick to take Penn State offensive tackle Olumuyiwa Fashanu (who allowed just one sack in 21 games as a starter at left tackle).

"Trading out of No. 3 would mean the Patriots miss out on the top-end quarterbacks in this class," admitted Miller, "but adding a near-lock at left tackle and exploring alternate QB options is a good team-building play."

In addition to the 11th pick, the Patriots would also have access to another first-round selection following the trade. And with the 23rd overall pick, Miller thinks New England would choose cornerback Cooper DeJean from Iowa.

DeJean, described as "a versatile defensive back who was a certified playmaker in college," notched seven interceptions (and three pick-sixes) in the last two seasons. He's also predicted as a major contributor as both returner and gunner on special teams (a need for the Patriots following the retirement of Matthew Slater).

The other notable picks of Miller's mock draft include wide receiver Keon Coleman in the second round (34th overall). Coleman is a physical receiver at 6-foot-3 and 213 pounds, and could become a major red zone threat (catching 11 touchdowns at Florida State in the 2023 season). Fellow wide receiver Jalen McMillan from Washington is the Patriots' third-round pick, and quarterback Spencer Rattler from South Carolina was Miller's projection for New England in the fourth round.

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