Patriots finally know their pick at top of 2024 NFL Draft

The New England Patriots finally know which pick they will have in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft.

After losing to the Jets to finish the 2023 season 4-13, the Patriots will officially be picking third overall at the top of the 2024 draft. The Washington Commanders locked into the No. 2 spot after losing to the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday.

MORE: Complete coverage at the Patriots Draft Hub

NFL Draft rules stipulate that teams with the same record rotate their spots in later rounds. The Patriots, Commanders, and Cardinals finished with the same record. So, they will rotate their picks. That means the Patriots will have the second pick in the second round, 34th overall, then the fourth pick in the third round, 68th overall. The remaining slots are contingent on the awarding of compensatory picks.

We'll continue to have plenty more NFL Draft coverage for you in the coming days, weeks, and months, especially as it pertains to the Patriots. At third overall, the Pats will be poised to select a top quarterback prospect, or wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., widely considered a can't-miss player. So, while the 2023 season was one to forget, the silver lining is that there will be increased excitement for the team's 2024 draft class.

Get complete Patriots draft coverage at the Patriots Draft Hub.

Matt Dolloff is a writer and podcaster for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Check out all of Matt's content.

The New England Patriots finished their 2024 season with a 4-13 record after falling to the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium. Here are seven players (and a coach) we graded UP or DOWN from the game…

Zappe had some solid performances as the Patriots’ starting quarterback, and may have done enough to push Mac Jones out the door and solidify a roster spot for 2024 training camp. But his last two games of 2023, he’d like to forget.

Granted, it was snowy and sloppy throughout the game against the Jets on Sunday. It was not conducive to throwing the football. But Zappe doesn’t have much of an excuse for an atrocious 9-of-26 passing performance that was largely the result of his own inaccuracy and bad timing. He also couldn’t avoid turnovers by the end of the game, as he threw two late interceptions - on the same drive, since the first was then fumbled and recovered by the Pats. But both came with the Pats still alive with the score at 9-3, and the second one stayed with the Jets.

It's obvious at that point that Zappe, while possessing legitimate confidence, solid pocket poise, and decent playmaking ability with his arm, is not going to be a good starter at the NFL level. He could be an excellent backup for the Patriots or another NFL team, if he's willing to stay humble and accept that role. Ideally, that's what he is once again in 2024.

An admirable finish to the season for Zeke. He rushed for 4.2 yards per carry, added five catches for 27 yards, and protected the ball, which was of course paramount on a day like Sunday with the snow. He'll be a free agent after the season, and should be able to land another one-year deal, whether it's in New England or elsewhere.

Wade was in coverage on a 30-yard catch by Garrett Wilson, and again on an 11-yard catch by Breece Hall. Both plays led to points for the Jets. Amid numerous injuries at cornerback, Wade got his first real opportunity for legit playing time for the Patriots, and didn't really make much of it. He's under contract for 2024, though.

Reagor all of a sudden started to make big plays for the Patriots down the stretch, after Zappe stepped in as the starting quarterback. He only caught 1-of-6 targets on Sunday, but the one reception went for 33 yards and set up the Pats' only points of the game. Reagor should be a candidate to re-sign with the Pats in the off-season, if only on a futures contract.

Baringer had a busy day, and wasn't totally sharp. He had a 37-yard shank that set up an eventual Jets field goal. Baringer overall had a solid year and should be locked in as the punter for 2024 and beyond, but clearly had trouble with the snow on Sunday. That's something he'll have to overcome as a punter.

Barmore once again was the straw that stirred the drink on defense. He tied for the team lead with 10 tackles, and also had a QB hit and two tackles for loss. Barmore emerged as an every-week force in 2023, arguably the most promising development in an otherwise terrible season. The Patriots really need to sign him long-term, because they can't afford to lose a home run draft pick after the way their drafts have gone in recent years.

Apologies if this one is a bit crass. But Belichick may have coached his final game for the Patriots, and it would be ironic if it ended with a loss to the hated Jets on his home field. Belichick is and will always be the greatest coach in Patriots history, but this was arguably his worst season in five decades of work in the NFL. He's down today because he may be on his way out of New England.

On the other hand, Slater gets an UP because Sunday appears to have been his final NFL game. He's going out celebrating one of the greatest special teams careers in the history of the league. Slater's career spans 239 games and two First Team All-Pro selections as a special teamer. That may earn him consideration for enshrinement in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Congratulations to him on a great career.

That's a wrap for Patriots Ups & Downs for the 2023 season. We'll see you in 2024.

Get complete New England Patriots coverage at 985TheSportsHub.com.

Matt Dolloff is a writer and podcaster for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Check out all of Matt's content.

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