Famous QB coach discusses how Patriots should spend No. 3 pick

Mike Reiss of ESPN and Chris Trapasso of CBS Sports are among noteworthy members of the NFL community who believe the New England Patriots could draft Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. third overall instead of either North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Drake Maye or LSU Tigers signal-caller Jayden Daniels assuming the Chicago Bears make Caleb Williams of the USC Trojans the first choice of the player-selection process.

Well-respected quarterback coach George Whitfield recently spoke with Karen Guregian of MassLive and said New England "can’t go wrong" with getting either Maye or Daniels at overall draft pick No. 3. 

"You could hook a wagon to all three of them and be right back into contention," Whitfield said about the advertised top quarterback prospects in the 2024 draft. 

Both Trapasso and CBS Sports' Ryan Wilson predicted last week that the Washington Commanders will grab Daniels with the second overall pick. In a mock draft updated on Monday, Gordon McGuinness of Pro Football Focus linked Washington with Maye and New England with Daniels. 

The Patriots are expected to move on from 2021 first-round choice Mac Jones this offseason and could sign a veteran such as Cleveland Browns quarterback Joe Flacco to start over a rookie this fall. 

"As long as he’s on the bus with us, we have a chance to win, and Drake has that kind of pull," Whitfield said about Maye. "I think he is talented enough and mentally strong enough to attach a program to his back. Not all of those other (quarterbacks in the draft class) want that." 

Meanwhile, Whitfield referred to Daniels as "a prolific downfield passer" who "can make all of the throws." 

"The talent factor of all three (at the top) is off the charts," Whitfield added about Williams, Maye and Daniels. "All three have shown to be tough, durable, and beyond capable. And, I’ll tell you this, they’re not going to find these guys in college football next year." 

The Patriots reportedly are at least somewhat interested in signing Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield if Mayfield reaches free agency. Paying Mayfield would allow New England to draft a playmaker such as Harrison instead of a signal-caller at No. 3, but Tampa Bay has until 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday to retain Mayfield's rights via the franchise tag.