The first round of the 2024 NFL Draft is in the books, but teams don’t have much time to reflect on their top picks. They’ll be on the clock for Day 2 before they know it.
One team that will be on the clock right away is the New England Patriots. They hold the second pick of Day 2, 34th overall. They sit there with multiple needs to fill on both sides of the ball. They also own the 68th overall pick, early in the third round.
—Drake Maye is exactly the kind of quarterback the Patriots needed to gamble on
—Drafting Drake Maye isn’t the end of a process for the Patriots, it’s the beginning
—Patriots mid-draft mock draft
Of course, there are the two big needs at tackle and wide receiver. Runs on both positions in the first round means there’s less talent than expected at both spots – especially tackle – but the Patriots will have options picking so high in the second round.
Don’t rule out the Patriots either using one of their two scheduled Day 2 picks on another position, or potentially adding a third top-100 pick at some point either. Other needs that could be addressed in the top 100 include cornerback, safety, and edge rusher. Defensive tackle, tight end and running back could also be in play later on Day 2, if the Patriots really want to get aggressive in putting skill position players around first-round pick Drake Maye.
Before the Patriots get back on the clock, here’s a look at the top remaining players at each position of need expected to go on Day 2, and where the Patriots may need to take them…