With just one week left in the Patriots’ season, a campaign filled with disappointments, a potential silver lining has emerged: the chance to secure the No. 1 overall pick in the draft.
Following New England’s loss on Saturday and the Giants’ win on Sunday, a path to the top pick is clear. If the Patriots lose their regular season finale against the Bills, they would lock up the first selection in the draft.
This has sparked questions about whether head coach Jerod Mayo might consider resting starters, including quarterback Drake Maye, to improve their odds of securing the pick. Mayo acknowledged the possibility but emphasized that injuries would ultimately dictate such decisions.
“My expectation is that if players are healthy, they should be ready to play,” Mayo explained, via Mike Giardi of the Boston Sports Journal. He also noted that Maye is not currently in the NFL’s concussion protocol but admitted that status could change on Monday. If Maye were to enter the protocol, he would likely miss the season finale, opening the door for veteran Jacoby Brissett to start. Brissett, a pending free agent, lost his starting role to Maye earlier this season and is expected to test the open market this spring.
Maye’s development is crucial for the Patriots’ future, as is the ability to add high-end talent through the draft. Securing the No. 1 pick could allow New England to target a top prospect, such as Heisman winner Travis Hunter, or explore the option of trading down for additional assets.
Meanwhile, the Bills, already locked into the AFC’s No. 2 playoff seed, may rest key players on Sunday, potentially increasing the Patriots’ chances of pulling off an upset. However, if New England opts to sit Maye and other starters, it would clearly signal their focus on securing the draft’s top spot and building for the future.
