The New England Patriots are reportedly showing a lot of interest in a pass rusher who is expected to be taken in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. That could throw a wrench in a lot of mock drafts that have been floating around in the previous few months.

The New England Patriots need a QB

Most analysts and NFL insiders think the Patriots will select a quarterback with the No. 3 pick. The Chicago Bears are expected to take Caleb Williams. So, the Patriots would likely have the opportunity to take Drake Maye or Jayden Daniels.

This week, the Patriots traded away quarterback Mac Jones to the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Patriots’ current quarterback room includes Jacoby Brissett, Bailey Zappe, and Nathan Rourke. Neither of those three would appear to be good options at QB1 on the depth chart. Which is why most people assume the Patriots will select a quarterback with the No. 3 pick.

However, the Patriots might throw a curveball in April.

The Patriots met with Laiatu Latu

According to Tony Pauline with Sportskeeda, the Patriots are met with UCLA Edge prospect Laiatu Latu.

The New England Patriots met with Latu, as did the Miami Dolphins, who have shown a lot of interest in the pass rusher:

I’m told Latu looked great in drills, easily moving around the field and displaying a lot of quickness.

He was run almost solely through pass rushing drills and didn’t do many drops or coverage drills.

The New England Patriots met with Latu,

Latu is thought to be a first-round pick

The Patriots also met with defensive end Gabriel Murphy.

Most draft analysts consider Latu a first-round pick, so the Patriots would be able to trade back and collect draft capital if they wanted to take the defensive end. It’s doubtful he’d fall to the Patriots in the second round.