The New England Patriots have a critical decision in April that will truly set the tone for the 2024 season. 

But there is a lot of speculation over which direction they will go in. 

So here is my opinion on what the Patriots should do with the No. 3 overall pick in the NFL Draft.

The two biggest problem areas for the Patriots this past season centered around the quarterbacks and the wide receivers. So this is something they will certainly have to remedy. 

And many are wondering which direction they will go in the draft. Will it be Ohio State receiver Marvin Harrison or LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels? 

Both are clear first round prospects, with neither truly expected to make it out of the top few picks. Among many of the draft experts, the consensus is that the Chicago Bears will be taking Caleb Williams, while Drake Maye will head to the Washington Commanders. 

So that leaves the Heisman winner and a Heisman finalist up for grabs at that third spot. 

And while Harrison's abilities are not something that should be overlooked, the Patriots need to turn a blind eye for just a minute and go in the other direction. 

Their main goal should be to make Daniels a Patriot. 

The quarterback has a skillset that New England is not used to. Going from Tom Brady to Mac Jones, the team has relied on strong pocket passers. But Daniels has the arm strength while also being able to get out of the pocket and scramble for yards. 

A running quarterback could be a refreshing change for this organization who has become too comfortable with the same thing for so long. Especially if they bring an offensive coordinator who can help him develop and become the face of the franchise. We're talking about an elite athlete here. 

I would also expect the Patriots to bring in a veteran, providing Daniels with someone to learn from.

The difference of positional value between quarterback and wide receiver is enormous and the Patriots will rarely be in a position to take a swing on such a talented quarterback prospect in the next few years. At least, they shouldn't be again anytime soon. 

When Harrison ultimately plays against the Patriots at some point during his career, he can always make them regret that decision. But right now, the focus has to be on getting a quarterback considering everything that happened this season. 

Head coach Jerod Mayo has a tough job ahead of him, having to follow Bill Belichick, who was with the Patriots for 24 years. But he has an advantage that Belichick never had: an ability to connect with the players on a personal level, having been in their shoes at one point. 

I mean just look at Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans with C.J. Stroud this season. Enough said. 

That can be Mayo and Daniels next year. 

So while different draft experts and multiple fans across the league are speculating and debating between whether the Patriots should take Harrison or Daniels, my opinion on the matter is crystal clear.  

Jerod Mayo reassures Patriots fans that No. 3 overall pick will be used wisely

That’s very telling.