Full 7-round 2024 NFL mock draft: Patriots pull off two blockbuster trades

Patriots pull off two major trades to fix their offense in this latest mock draft

The New England Patriots have a rare opportunity to make one of the greatest splashes in recent memory at the 2024 NFL draft. They manage to do so in this week’s seven-round mock draft by pulling off two blockbuster trades with the Minnesota Vikings and Chicago Bears.

The Patriots have a long history of snubbing their noses at high-end offensive playmakers, but that is likely to change now that Bill Belichick is gone and Eliot Wolf is leading the personnel decision-making.

Of course, the team is also in dire need of offensive line help and a future face of the franchise at the quarterback position. The revolving door of Mac Jones, Bailey Zappe and a third wheel veteran signal-caller has worn out its welcome.

In one fell swoop, this mock draft has the Patriots boosting their positions of need, while also creating a roster capable of competing in 2024. Here are the results from the latest seven-round mock draft:

East-West Shrine Bowl Preview: Running backs to watch for Packers

Previewing the East-West Shrine Bowl by looking at four running backs the Packers could target in the 2024 NFL draft.

The East-West Shrine Bowl practices start on Saturday with the game scheduled to take place on Thursday, Feb. 1 in Frisco, Texas. 

Zach Tom, Jon Runayn Jr, Samori Toure, Ka’Dar Hollman, James Looney and Hunter Bradley are all draft picks that played in the Shrine Bowl that Brian Gutekunst has selected. 

With AJ Dillon set to hit the open market let’s take a look at four running backs that the Green Bay Packers could be keeping close tabs on throughout the week.

Jonathon Brooks, Texas

No, Brooks won’t be playing as he continues his recovery from a torn ACL that he suffered in November. However, he’s listed on the roster so we are listing him here. 

Brooks may miss the majority of his rookie season as he continues his rehab. Even with that cloud hanging over his head he has the talent to be the first running back off the board in April.

The Texas running back was a tackle-breaking machine and has outstanding contact balance. In 11 games this season, Brooks forced 63 missed tackles and picked up 732 yards after contact. 

Blake Watson, Memphis

Watson was a star at the Hula Bowl and now will get a chance to shine at the Shrine Bowl. The Old Dominion transfer rushed for 1,152 yards and 14 touchdowns. He proved to be a weapon in the passing game, hauling in 53 receptions for 480 yards and three touchdowns. 

The Memphis running back keeps his legs running through contact and has good vision. Watson racked up 719 yards after contact and forced 50 missed tackles. 

Frank Gore Jr, Southern Miss

The son of a famous running back, Gore Jr. is no slouch. The Southern Miss running back rushed for 2,513 yards and 19 touchdowns to go along with 46 receptions for 505 receiving yards and three touchdowns over the past two seasons.

Gore Jr has good vision and is a hard-nosed runner. Gore forced 67 missed tackles and picked up 824 yards after contact this season.

Carson Steele, UCLA

The Ball State transfer was No. 21 on Bruce Feldman’s annual Freaks list. During his lone season as a Bruin, Steele rushed for 847 yards and six touchdowns. Steele added two receiving touchdowns.

Steele has good vision and quick feet to make sharp cuts. The UCLA running back has a good combination of power and quickness. 

Report: Colts met with Memphis RB Blake Watson at Hula Bowl

The Colts reportedly met with Memphis RB Blake Watson at the Hula Bowl.

The Indianapolis Colts reportedly met with Memphis running back Blake Watson at the Hula Bowl this week, according to Ryan Fowler of The Draft Network.

With the collegiate all-star games taking place over the next month, the Colts will send scouts and representatives to watch and meet with a number of the prospects ahead of the 2024 NFL draft.

Meetings in this type of environment aren’t typically formal, and it could be something as simple as a quick conversation. Still, it’s noteworthy with draft season arriving.

Listed at 5-foot-9 and 195 pounds, Watson spent five seasons at Old Dominion (2018-2022) before transferring to Memphis in 2023. The Queens native took 192 carries for 1,152 yards and 14 rushing touchdowns while adding 53 receptions for 480 yards and three touchdowns in the passing game.

The Colts have Jonathan Taylor locked up as the starter while Zack Moss is slated to be a free agent. Second-year back Evan Hull will be returning from a torn meniscus that claimed his rookie season as well.

[lawrence-related id=93685,93678,93635]

2024 NFL draft: Bowl season RB big board

2024 NFL draft: Bowl season RB big board from Draft Wire’s Jeff Risdon

Bowl season keeps chugging along like a reliable running back ripping off first down after first down. Finding running backs who can do that in the NFL is one of the goals of the scouting process.

This year’s class doesn’t appear to have any surefire first-rounders like a year ago when Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs both came off the draft board in the top 12 picks. The early impression is that this is a good group to tailor to individual team fits, and there is a good selection of capable talent, if not any transcendent types of RBs.

Offensive tackles

Wide receivers (via Brennen Rupp)

Cornerbacks

EDGE rushers