FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- The New England Patriots made eight draft selections at the 2024 NFL draft -- starting with quarterback Drake Maye at No. 3 overall. The Patriots also addressed a need at wide receiver, drafting two through four rounds.
Here's a look at each of New England's 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 that will be judged, in part, by if they should have gone with WR Ladd McConkey (selected at 34) instead.
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.
Round 3: No. 68: Caedan Wallace, OT, Penn State
My take: The Patriots' top need areas entering the draft were QB, WR and OT, and Wallace caps off the 1-2-3 approach in filling them. He was mostly a right tackle in college, but Wolf said the team believes Wallace has the athletic ability to move to the left side. First-year offensive line coach Scott Peters comes from the Browns and his presence ties to Wallace, who at the least will be counted upon to be a top backup as a rookie.
What we're hearing about Wallace: If Penn State didn't have Olumuyiwa Fashanu (first round, Jets) at left tackle, Wolf believes that Wallace would have played on the left side. "Really good pass-protector -- took a huge step forward this year as a four-year starter," Wolf said. "Can bend, strong, powerful, tough, can possibly play guard. Think he could be a four-position guy."
What's next: With five picks remaining on Day 3, the Patriots figure to balance out their draft class with some defense after addressing more pressing needs to this point. A developmental TE also makes sense if the right opportunity presents itself.
Round 4: No. 103: Layden Robinson, RG, Texas A&M
My take: With starting left guard Cole Strange attempting to return from a late-season injury that could affect his availability early this year, the Patriots are loading up on the offensive line to give themselves as many options as possible. Robinson has been a pure right guard, where 2023 fourth-round pick Sidy Sow is the projected starter. The team also has 2023 fifth-rounder Atonio Mafi, so Robinson joins the young pipeline up front. One scouting report referred to him as an "absolute freight train in the running game," which seems to reflect the style of lineman the team is looking for under the new coaching staff.
Round 4: No. 110: Javon Baker, WR, Central Florida
My take: Baker is a big play waiting to happen, as evidenced by his five catches of 50-plus yards last season. So after the Patriots selected Ja'Lynn Polk in the second round, they doubled down with Baker -- which reflects how director of scouting Eliot Wolf is decisively addressing one of the team's top deficiencies. Wolf grew up in the Packers' system, and they have had recent success taking a similar approach at WR and TE. If there is a knock on Baker, it's that he has 14 drops over the past two seasons.
Round 6: No. 180: Marcellas Dial, CB, South Carolina
My take: Christian Gonzalez (2023 first-round pick), veteran Jonathan Jones and third-year player Marcus Jones are at the top of the CB depth chart, followed by a group of younger players whom Dial (6-0, 190) will compete against for a roster spot. That group includes Alex Austin, Marco Wilson, Shaun Wade, Isaiah Bolden and Azizi Hearn. As is often the case at this point in the draft, contributions on special teams figure to be a notable factor if Dial ultimately breaks through. Dial said he visited the Patriots before the draft (among the three teams he traveled to see) and had a feeling he would land with them.
Round 6: No. 193: Joe Milton III, QB, Tennessee
My take: After taking Drake Maye No. 3 overall, and then Milton, this marks just the second time in team history that two QBs were selected in the same draft (1983 with Tony Eason and Tom Ramsey). Milton's physical traits stand out -- he's 6-foot-5 and 246 pounds with a powerful arm -- and some believe he could transition to tight end in the NFL. When looking at Milton through the QB-specific lens, the Patriots obviously view Maye as their hopeful long-term option, with veteran Jacoby Brissett the current projected starter until Maye is ready. They would still be looking to carry a No. 3 option. Bailey Zappe (2022 fourth-round pick) and second-year player Nathan Rourke are also on the depth chart, and their spots on the roster could be in jeopardy if the Patriots view Milton as the ideal developmental option.
Round 7, No. 231: Jaheim Bell, TE, Florida State
My take: Coach Jerod Mayo said by this point of the draft, the Patriots were selecting the best player regardless of need. The 6-foot-2, 242-pound Bell played more than 40% of his snaps last season in the slot, so he's an H-back-type option more than an inline TE. The Patriots have veteran Hunter Henry atop their depth chart, with top backups Austin Hooper and Mitchell Wilcox on one-year contracts, so Bell gives them a developmental option with the future in mind. If he breaks through, he could be a safety valve for a young quarterback on safer, underneath routes. His 897 yards after the catch since 2021 rank second among FBS tight ends after Brock Bowers.