The latest 2024 NFL mock draft from Sports Illustrated has the Patriots trading up for No. 1

We’ve seen a lot of buzz about who the Chicago Bears could trade with if they keep QB Justin Fields.

The Atlanta Falcons maybe? And how about the New England Patriots? They’re No. 3 in the official 2024 NFL Draft order, and maybe they could trade up?

In our latest mock draft from Christian D’Andrea, he had the Pats staying at No. 3 and taking offensive lineman Joe Alt out of Notre Dame. In the latest Sports Illustrated mock draft, Luke Easterling has the Patriots trading up and taking USC’s Caleb Williams (the Bears then would take receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. from Ohio State!).

Here’s the reasoning:

Retaining head coach Matt Eberflus, but clearing out the offensive coaching staff, makes it feel more likely than ever that the Bears will continue building around Justin Fields. If that’s the case, Chicago could entice a team like New England to leap ahead of Washington to make Williams their new franchise quarterback. It would take the Pats’ first-round pick next year and their high second-rounder this year, and likely more to get the deal done.

Check out Christian D’Andrea’s latest NFL mock draft, along with the first 18 picks of the NFL Draft order that are locked in.