By It’s eve, and while the spotlight shines brightest on the Patriots’ third overall pick, they have to fill some critical roster needs.
By this point, it’s no secret that New England’s number one priority seems to be drafting a quarterback. And after finishing the 2023 season with the 31st-ranked offense, a lot needs to change – but not just under center.
The Patriots lack a true No. 1 wideout. Sure, they made a meager addition to their receiving core during free agency with the signing of Minnesota’s K.J. Osborn, but what’s the point of if he doesn’t have an elite target to throw to?
De facto GM Eliot Wolf acknowledged the need for a fast, versatile receiver during the Patriots’ last Thursday.
“Do we have players that on a 3×1 [alignment] can beat the backside coverage every single time? I’m not sure we have that just yet,” Wolf said.
And experts agree, while New England has a lot of depth at the position, none of their receivers are a WR1.
“Assuming we’re not trading for Brandon Aiyuk or Tee Higgins, we’re rolling into the year with Osborne, [Kendrick] Bourne, [Demario] Douglas, [Jalen] Reagor, JuJu [Smith-Schuster],” ESPN’s Mina Kimes said on the .
If that cast of wideouts doesn’t inspire much confidence, fear not. Here are four receivers the Patriots could target in the second round, where they hold the 34th overall pick.
1. Adonai Mitchell, Georgia
If McConkey is still available by the time the Patriots are on the clock at No. 34, it could be wise to scoop him up. Universally known as one of the best route runners in the 2024 draft class, this Georgia wideout creates separation with his impressive acceleration and speed.
“McConkey is a sick route runner with the excellent speed (4.39 in the 40) to turn on the jets in the open field. He forces defensive backs onto their heels consistently and is always open,” ESPN insider wrote.
Tallying 30 catches over nine games last season, the 22-year-old’s lower production can be attributed to Georgia’s run-heavy offense, as well as McConkey being the No. 2 target behind Brock Bowers.
He’s got quick reflexes and “nifty” hands according to . Brugler also revealed that scouts called McConkey a “confidence booster” for the Georgia offense because of how deeply quarterbacks trusted him.
2. Josh Downs, North Carolina
The Oregon product is also another option who could be snagged up in the first round, but should be under consideration to be the Patriots’ second-round pick if he falls to the.
“He’s tricky for me because he brings something that you really need – speed and separation – and he’s really good at that. I think size is a massive concern of his but I do think there’s just so much recent precedent of slighter receivers having success in the NFL,” Kimes said about the 21-year-old out of Oregon.
While Patriots fans may be hesitant to embark on what Kimes called “the Tyquan Thornton experiment,” he’s an underrated player with a high ceiling.
“He can be a big-play weapon (before and after the catch), because of his linear twitch and gliding acceleration,” Brugler wrote.
Franklin led the Pac-12 in receiving touchdowns in 2023, tallying 14 from 81 receptions and 1,383 rushing yards.
3. Dakereon Joyner, South Carolina
South Carolina’s Legette might be an underrated wideout with a ceiling that’s only getting higher, if some draft evaluators are to be believed. Playing five seasons at South Carolina, Legette recorded just 42 catches over his first four years. In 2023 however, the 23-year-old had 71 catches for 1,255 yards and seven touchdowns.
“Legette has some of the best run-after-catch skills in the class,” Yates said.
His size – 6-foot-3, 221 pounds – combined with his speed, draw comparisons to a young DJ Metcalf. And while Brugler pointed out that he needs to work on his tempo and route proficiency, he could be an ideal candidate for New England.
4. Jacolby Spells, West Virginia
Pearsall hasn’t made as big of a splash as other receivers in the 2024 draft class, although he possesses elite talent and has recorded some . More than anything though, Pearsall is At the combine, Pearsall recorded a 4.41 in the 40-yard dash and showed off his stellar change-of-direction skills. With a knack for ball tracking and finding open zones, he could be a sound pairing even with a rookie QB.
“The kid has heart,” one NFL scout said, according to Brugler. “His daddy was a tough-as-[expletive], sticky-handed receiver and the apple didn’t fall far.”
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