Patriots Historical Drafting
Over the last 19 years, the Patriots have made 19 WR selections. They have 4 players on the roster that the current front office has drafted.
Draft Expectations for the Position
On average, there are 3.3 wide receivers picked in the first round (over the last 8 years) but the total number picked has been trending up. That aligns with the evolution of the NFL game. On average, there are 26 WRs taken each year. This year's class is below average.
The Patriots need (top-end) weapons for Drake Maye. It doesn’t necessarily need to be the draft, but an outside playmaker that can beat great coverage would be helpful, right?
Additionally, the slot is an incredibly important position for the McDaniels offense. It requires quickness, football intelligence, toughness, and discipline. The NFL is a third-down league, and traditionally, the Patriots lean on their slot wide receivers and receiving backs more than most offenses.
Huge position of need, and I expect the Patriots to address the position at some point.
POTENTIAL PATRIOT FITS BY ROUND
Round 1: Travis Hunter, Colorado
If you’re building a board, he’s 1A. Hunter is elite at winning contested catches with natural ball instincts, outstanding body control, and smooth play speed. He takes football (and academics) seriously, and he plays like it. While the transition to the league might not be clean, given that he’s played both ways and there will be growing pains, the traits and competitiveness are all there.
Round 2: Luther Burden III, Missouri
I think there’s some Malik Nabers to his game. Speed, burst, and play strength. He’s explosive after the catch and tough to bring down. It was a bit disappointing he wasn’t more dominant in '23, but he still finished as First-Team All-SEC. That speaks to the ceiling. He was an immediate contributor as a freshman, which is always a strong signal for how traits transfer to the league. Some whispers about him being a bit of a diva; penalties, sideline behavior, etc. He’s more athlete than technician right now and carries some bust risk. But if the makeup checks out, and he slips to late Round 1 or Round 2, the ceiling is high
Note: If they land EDGE Abdul Carter early, I'd consider the broader makeup of the rookie class. Emeka Egbuka (Ohio State) may be the cleaner fit from a team-building standpoint.
Round 3: Jaylin Noel, Iowa State
Big fan of this kid. He was named practice player of the week at the Senior Bowl and reportedly hit 20+ MPH via Zebra tech. Sharp route runner with good hands, and he’s a strong punt returner. He’s more effective than flashy and will show up when it counts. Stronger than his frame suggests. High-character, team captain, and he’s got a track background.
If he’s off the board by this point, I’d look at Jalen Royals (Utah State).
Round 4: Tory Horton, Colorado State
Horton’s been banged up the last couple of years, but when healthy, he’s been CSU’s best offensive player. I thought he was a dog in the Colorado game last year. Strong hands, excellent body control, and made competitive catches all game. He’s a strider with enough speed and good length, though he might struggle with physicality at the next level. I don’t love him in the slot, but he’s smart, and he can separate. Could contribute in the return game and develop into a reliable possession WR with starter upside.
Round 5: Tai Felton, Maryland
Felton showed flashes in '23, had a good season in ’24 and did well Senior Bowl. He’s built more for the slot despite lining up outside for most of his snaps. I think his game may translate more inside, he has a lot of clean short-area routes and quick releases. Not a physical player and won’t help in the run game but he’s productive, tough, and earned All-Big Ten and All-America honors in ’24. A respected leader and team captain. In short, he’s still raw, but the football traits are there.
Round 6: KeAndre Lambert-Smith, Auburn
Didn’t run the full route tree at Auburn, and really needs technical development. That said, he has the ability and I thought at times he was Penn State’s best weapon before transferring. He was named Second-Team All-SEC and has enough burst and RAC ability to work with. If off the field checks out, he’s a backup with the potential to start if he develops.
Round 7: Nick Nash, San Jose State
Former college QB turned WR (RE: Jakobi Meyers) only two years starting at the position. Produced 19 contested catches and forced nearly 30 missed tackles. Long, physical, and versatile and he can line up in multiple spots. Doesn’t have top-end speed but competes like hell and has excellent football character. Possession WR, likely from the slot. He’ll be 26 as a rookie which will take him off some boards. I’d group him with Xavier Restrepo (Miami) as late-round WRs with good feel and physicality.
PFA Target: Daniel Jackson, Minnesota
Three-year leading receiver for the Gophers, 2nd Team All-Big Ten in ’23, Honorable Mention in ’24. Captain, with a tough mindset and enough reliability to work over the middle. He’s not dynamic, as he lacks the burst to consistently beat man but he’s savvy vs. zone and tough in traffic. Has some concentration drops, but could sum of parts could be greater than his traits.