Report: Patriots exploring adding another 1st-round pick

The New England Patriots could land a second first-round pick ahead of the start of the 2024 NFL Draft.

The team has explored a scenario where it trades its second-round selection (No. 34 overall) to move up in the back half of the opening round on Thursday, according to ESPN's Mike Reiss.

New England could upgrade the offense ahead of its first season under head coach Jerod Mayo. Holding the No. 3 overall selection, the Patriots are linked to some of the top quarterback prospects in the draft, including Drake Maye and J.J. McCarthy. While the club is reportedly open to trading its top pick for the right price, it didn't receive any substantial offers prior to Thursday.

Director of scouting Eliot Wolf said Wednesday that the team received calls from interested suitors about its early-round picks, but the offers were "nothing too serious."

"Sounds like there may be teams that are more motivated, if you listen to the whispers out there, that we might hear some more things once we're on the clock," Wolf added.

The Patriots hold eight picks entering the opening round of Thursday's draft following a 4-13 campaign in 2023. While quarterback is considered the franchise's most glaring need, the team could address other areas by using a premium pick on a wide receiver or shoring up the offensive line.