NFL analysts explain how the Patriots could rebuild using the 'Texans approach'

During Robert Kraft's 30-year ownership of the Patriots, the 2024 No. 3 overall draft pick is the highest his team has had. 

Following one of the worst seasons in Kraft's tenure - with the Patriots finishing 4-13 at the bottom of the AFC East -  the upcoming NFL Draft is critical for the Patriots. But, the list of players the team needs in order to fully rebuild is lengthy. 

The Athletic's Diana Russini told Tom Curran on the Patriots Talk Podcast that the Patriots might consider trading down in the draft in exchange for more picks. She compared New England's position to the Houston Texans, a team which has repeatedly traded down in exchange for later draft picks and high-impact players. 

"They didn't just get good last year," she said. "This wasn't like they drafted C.J. Stroud and became stars. The building started two, three years ago, which is why they're in the position they're in now."

Russini dubbed this draft strategy the "Texans approach," and explained that there are multiple teams who could convince the Patriots to trade down. 

"They're teams that are telling everybody this. Publicly, on the record saying 'We're making calls to move up. We're in on the quarterbacks,'" she said. 

New England's front office has emphasized the importance of drafting a signal-caller. However, according to head coach Jerod Mayo and de facto GM Eliot Wolf, the "Texans approach" isn't out of the question. 

"Obviously, quarterback is definitely a priority," Mayo said on the first day of the NFL's annual league meeting. "With that being said, we're still open to any type of deals that come our way."

With other teams equally as in-need of a franchise quarterback, New England could be receiving a lot of phone calls over the next month. But who's on the other end of the line? Here are three teams that could be in pursuit of the Patriots' No. 3 pick. 

Minnesota Vikings

After signing Sam Darnold to a one-year, $10 million contract, Russini says the Vikings are still on the hunt to find the "quarterback of their future." 

They flashed their cards two weeks ago when they acquired the Texans' No. 23 overall pick. That move, combined with their own No. 11, signaled that they could be packaging picks for a potential trade. Toss in a 2025 first-rounder, and the Vikings could have a deal that launches them up to the draft board.

The Patriots - whose needs are less urgent after signing a solid bridge quarterback in Jacoby Brissett - could utilize the additional draft capital to address a myriad of roster needs. 

Denver Broncos

On Tuesday Broncos head coach Sean Payton told NFL insider Ian Rapoport that a potential trade-up is "realistic." Denver currently holds the No. 12 overall pick and has reportedly had their eye on Michigan's J.J. McCarthy. However, as McCarthy's draft stock continues to rise, he could be off the board by time Denver is on the clock. 

"If he believes there's a quarterback right now in this class that he wants, he'll do everything to move up to get it," Russini said. 

An enticing deal for the Patriots could include Denver's 2024 No. 11 pick, a 2025 first-rounder, and a 2026-first rounder.

Las Vegas Raiders

Self-proclaimed "go-getter" Antonio Pierce isn't afraid of making splashy moves as the Raiders' head coach. According to The Athletic, Pierce is exploring a trade-up from his team's No. 13 pick. For, you guessed it, an elite quarterback. 

"I would hope whoever we draft, [if] that's the route we go, that's who the starter becomes," Pierce said. "You don't want to put a Band-Aid at that position. That's old … that's old, man. I think the Raiders … we've seen that enough in this organization."

The Raiders, who lack the draft capital needed to to trade up to No. 3, would have to be willing to send players to New England. The price tag would be hefty, but not entirely out of character for Las Vegas. 

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