Post-Bill Belichick mock draft predicts Patriots finally focus on offense

For 24 seasons, head coach Bill Belichick has led the Patriots with a defensive mindset. But that is all about to change after it was announced on Thursday morning that the two sides have agreed to part ways. 

Pro Football Focus believes that New England, which has been short on offensive talent for years, will finally focus on offense by bringing in an influx of young offensive playmakers in its latest mock draft.

With the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, PFF predicts the Patriots will select LSU QB Jayden Daniels, who won the Heisman for his impressive 2023 campaign. 

Daniels threw for 3,812 yards, 40 touchdowns and just five interceptions while also adding 1,134 yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground. 

Some may believe drafting Daniels so high could be a reach as he currently ranks as PFF's third-best quarterback and No. 11 overall prospect on its big board. But New England's top priority should be finding its next franchise quarterback and it's in a prime position to do just that this offseason.

PFF then has the Patriots selecting UNC WR Devontez Walker with their second-round pick. Walker has posted 99 catches for 1,620 yards and 18 touchdowns over the past two years with two different schools (Kent State and UNC).

The 6-foot-2, 200-pound wide receiver could instantly become New England's best playmaker as the team didn't have a receiver eclipse 50 catches or 600 yards this season.

However, with the Patriots' recent struggles at drafting wide receivers, PFF has them doubling down at the position in the third round by drafting Washington WR Jalen McMillan.

McMillan was typically the third option behind wide receivers Rome Odunze and Ja'Lynn Polk in the Huskies offense. But he still made an impact with 124 catches for 1,657 yards and 14 touchdowns from 2022-23.

A new era has officially begun in New England and whoever its new head coach is will dictate how its first draft without Belichick will go. But focusing on the offensive side of the ball feels like a must after ranking as the worst team in points per game (13.9) and third worst in total yards per game (276.2).