Patriots

The consensus among NFL insiders is that the Patriots will stay at three and draft their QB of the future.

The long wait for the 2024 NFL Draft is finally over.

The Patriots hold the third overall pick, their highest since drafting Drew Bledsoe first overall in 1993. This year, New England looks set to draft its quarterback of the future in the first round.

There’s a near consensus among NFL insiders and draft experts on who that quarterback will be, with many expecting the Patriots to select Drake Maye. The expectation is that Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels will be drafted by the Bears and Commanders with the first two picks, respectively, which would leave the Patriots with Maye.

But things can always change as rumors of a possible trade continue to float.

What will the Patriots do? Follow along for live updates coming out of the NFL Draft, which kicks off at 8 p.m. Additionally, you can track all the Patriots’ selections here.

7:14 p.m.: Jerod Mayo teases Patriots’ potential plans at draft party.

Jerod Mayo gave fans in Foxborough for the Patriots’ draft party a little tease about his team’s draft plans. The new head coach told the crowd, “we’re going to get a great player at three,” according to ESPN’s Mike Reiss.

Not only did Mayo’s comments further solidify the expectation that New England won’t trade out of three, he also suggested quite the opposite. Mayo said the Patriots could “always sneak back into the first round.” There may be more in store on Thursday night outside of the quarterback position.

6:10 p.m.: The latest on the Patriots’ draft plans.

Multiple reports emerged earlier Thursday that the likely scenario for the Patriots would be to stay at No. 3 and select Drake Maye. However, the Patriots could still trade the selection if they receive an offer they “can’t refuse,” NBC Sports Boston’s Tom E. Curran reported. The Giants, who hold the No. 6 pick, and the Vikings, who have the No. 11 pick, have been widely reported as possible trade candidates for the No. 3 pick.

More Patriots draft coverage:

Eliot Wolf discussed Patriots’ draft approach, possibility of trades

Adam Schefter explained why the Patriots’ top pick in NFL Draft will be ‘the first moment of truth’

Here’s what readers want the Patriots to do in the 2024 NFL Draft

40 prospects Patriots fans should watch for during 2024 NFL Draft

NFL Draft: 4 wide receivers the Patriots could target in the second round