The second round of the 2024 NFL Draft gets underway on Friday at 7 p.m., as the Patriots — having selected quarterback Drake Maye in Thursday’s first round — will once again have an early pick.
New England heads into the evening equipped with the 34th overall pick. It will be the second pick of the second round. Given that the Patriots chose Maye third overall, fans might be wondering why exactly New England — using its natural draft pick — will have a slightly better draft spot on Friday. Shouldn’t each round of the draft mirror the order from the first round?