FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- The 2024 NFL draft began on Thursday night in Detroit and will wrap up on Saturday. The New England Patriots are scheduled to make eight of the draft's 257 picks.
With the third-overall pick, they drafted quarterback Drake Maye.
ESPN will provide pick-by-pick analysis of each of the Patriots' selections as they are made.
A look at each of New England's scheduled selections:
Analysis of every pick | Updated depth chart
Round 1: No. 3: Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
My take: They didn't overthink it. In need of a potential franchise quarterback, and open to trading the pick if a big-time offer came their way, the Patriots landed a player who gives the organization the same type of hope that Drew Bledsoe did after being selected No. 1 overall in 1993. Now comes the important part of developing Maye with quality coaching, and ensuring he doesn't have too many voices in his ear.
Will he start as a rookie?: Not necessarily right away. The Patriots signed veteran Jacoby Brissett to a one-year deal in the offseason to provide leadership, mentorship, and a "bridge" option so any rookie wouldn't be rushed onto the field.
Key stat: In 2022, Maye set North Carolina records for completions (342) and passing yards (4,321) in a single season. At 6-foot-4 and 223 pounds, he is more than just a pocket passer; he totaled 302 carries for 1,209 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns.
Round 2: No. 37: Ja'Lynn Polk, WR, Washington
My take: The Patriots had explored trading back into the bottom of the first round on Thursday night but couldn't strike a deal, according to sources. So they regrouped, traded down three spots in the second round (from 34 to 37) to improve 27 spots later in the draft (from 137 to 110), and then grabbed the player they probably would have picked at 34 in Polk. A Bill Belichick-type move from the new regime.
What we're hearing about Polk: Polk clocked a 4.52 in the 40-yard dash, so he isn't a burner, but his knack for making tough plays look routine -- coupled with strong intangibles -- made him an ideal target for the team. Director of scouting Eliot Wolf has talked about the desire to "weaponize" the offense and the 6-foot-1, 203-pound Polk has a chance to make an immediate impact joining a depth chart headlined by Kendrick Bourne, K.J. Osborn, DeMario Douglas and JuJu Smith-Schuster.
Remaining picks
Round 3: No. 68
Round 4: No. 103
Round 4: No. 110 (from Los Angeles Chargers)
Round 6: No. 180
Round 6: No. 193 (from Jacksonville)
Round 7: No. 231 (from Chicago)