Despite receiver being an area of need since Tom Brady’s final seasons in New England, the Patriots have either addressed the position insufficiently or ignored it altogether year after year. Luckily, the stars have finally seemed to align in the team’s favor.
Between a stacked draft class and de facto general Eliot Wolf acknowledging the need to weaponize on offense, all signs point to a significant infusion of talent at pass-catcher.
DeMario Douglas was a solid step in the right direction last season, but having an undersized 6th-round pick as the sole building block of your passing game is less than ideal.
The Patriots made a valiant effort to sign Calvin Ridley in free agency, but their uncertain quarterback situation proved to be problematic.
Former Viking K.J. Osborn looks like a solid depth addition, and retaining Kendrick Bourne felt like a must in an already shallow wide receiver room. However, the offense still lacks a true “X” receiver who can live on the boundary, exploit 1-on-1 matchups, and force defenses to think twice about living in man coverage.
With that in mind, I put together a big board of my favorite receiver prospects and where they will likely be taken in the draft. This list is based on a combination of skill set, scheme fit, and team interest.
With quarterback and left tackle being more glaring concerns than wide receiver, particularly within the top-15 picks, I left off early 1st-round locks like Marvin Harrison Jr., Malik Nabers, and Rome Odunze.
“Key measurables” courtesy of Mockdraftable.
ROUND 1
Brian Thomas Jr., LSU
Background: 6’3″, 209 lbs, 21 years old, Junior
Accolades: Second-Team All-SEC (2023)
Key Measurements: 4.33s 40 (94th %tile), 79 5/8″ wingspan (89th %tile), 1.5s 10-yd split (88th %tile)
Strengths: Prototypical size and explosiveness, flexibility, releases, tracking, ball skills, YAC ability
Weaknesses: Play strength, limited route tree, balance in routes, contested catch ability, inconsistent blocker
Patriots Connections: Combine meeting
Brian Thomas Jr.'s LSU route tree was limited. But he's a dominant vertical threat with prototypical X measurables and the flexibility + burst to add more branches, so I don't think it's a big deal
While not really an elusive guy, he flashed the ability to make the first… pic.twitter.com/TTs8SlLdZu
— Taylor Kyles (@tkyles39) April 10, 2024
Quick Thoughts: Brian Thomas Jr. is a bit of a one-trick pony, but he has the tools to become a top-flight X receiver and can start immediately. His ability to win vertically will force defenses to shade coverage in his direction, opening things up for teammates. He’ll likely be gone by the late middle of the 1st round, but a run on offensive linemen could lead to a slip-and-trade-up situation.
ROUND 1/2
Adonai “AD” Mitchell, Texas
Background: 6’2″, 205 lbs, 21 years old, Junior
Accolades: Second-Team All-Big 12 (2023), National Champion (2022, 2021)
Key Measurements: 136″ broad (98th %tile), 4.34s 40 (94th %tile), 9″ hands (21st %tile)
Strengths: Explosiveness, length, flexibility, body control, catch radius
Weaknesses: Contested catch ability, YAC ability, route consistency, can struggle vs press, blocking effort
Patriots Connections: None reported
AD Mitchell didn't have a catch vs Bama until midway through Q3, but his 3 grabs included a TD and two explosives high-quality explosives
Had multiple reps where he got on a DB's toes, then blew past him for easy separation pic.twitter.com/N5C9hBxR6Z
— Taylor Kyles (@tkyles39) April 10, 2024
Quick Thoughts: AD Mitchell’s inconsistent effort and urgency could drop him to the 2nd round, but he’s a bona fide 1st-round talent who turned it on in the biggest moments. He’s the type of ISO winner the Patriots’ offense desperately needs, though he’s a work-in-progress against zone.
Xavier Worthy, Texas
Background: 5’11”, 165 lbs, 20 years old, Junior
Accolades: First-Team All-Big 12 (2023, 2021) Second-Team All-Big 12 (2022), Freshman All-American (2021)
Key Measurements: 4.21s 40 (99th %tile), 41″ vert (95th %tile), 165 lbs (1st %tile), 8 3/4″ hands (9th %tile)
Strengths: Speed, quickness, route running, ball skills, elusiveness, surprising contact balance
Weaknesses: Size, struggles vs press, inconsistent hands, contested catch ability, ball security
Patriots Connections: Pro Day meeting
Xavier Worthy boasts an unfair combo of explosiveness and well-sold, snappy routes, which he complements with strong tracking, hands, and concentration (at times) and fancy footwork near the boundary
Better contested catch toughness + contact balance than I expected at 165 lbs https://t.co/0DbDOA8KhM pic.twitter.com/RHQEzhKgi2
— Taylor Kyles (@tkyles39) March 22, 2024
Quick Thoughts: Worthy may seem redundant in a receiver room full of Z/slot types, but his lethal speed and ability to win deep or underneath will make him a focal point of defensive game plans. The Patriots need explosive playmakers that put fear in opposing coordinators, and Worthy fits the bill.
ROUND 2
Troy Franklin, Oregon
Background: 6’2″, 176 lbs, 21 years old, Junior
Accolades: Second-Team All-American (2023), First-Team All-Pac-12 (2023), Second-Team All-Pac-12 (2022)
Key Measurements: 39″ vert (85th %tile), 4.41s 40 (82nd %tile), 176 lbs (5th %tile), 8 3/4″ hands (9th %tile)
Strengths: Speed, height, length, route pacing, releases, body control, solid contact balance, breakaway speed
Weaknesses: Slight frame, flexibility, struggles vs press, inconsistent hands, contested catch ability, blocking
Patriots Connections: 30 visit
Didn't think the #Patriots would target Troy Franklin due to his lack of size (5th %tile weight), but if NE wants a WR who tilts coverage, he makes sense
Seen comps to Thornton, but Franklin is a bit more slippery, better off the line, and craftier/more deliberate in routes https://t.co/sKePn8SN0u pic.twitter.com/4PeZO4CMqR
— Taylor Kyles (@tkyles39) April 9, 2024
Quick Thoughts: Troy Franklin will remind many of Tyquan Thornton, and there are undeniable parallels between the lanky speedsters. Franklin’s lack of size might be an odd fit given what New England needs, but he’s a big-play threat downfield or with the ball in his hands and has extensive experience at X.
Keon Coleman, Florida State
Background: 6’3″, 213 lbs, 20 years old, Junior
Accolades: First-Team All-ACC (2023), Third-Team All-Big Ten (2022)
Key Measurements: 6’3 1/4″ tall (86th %tile), 127″ broad (83th %tile), 4.61s 40 (17th %tile)
Strengths: Size, body control, route running, ball skills, contested catch ability, blocking, return ability
Weaknesses: Modest speed, inconsistent vs press, can be choppy at the top of routes, nagging injuries
Patriots Connections: None reported
If the #Patriots take Jayden Daniels and want a receiver at #34, Keon Coleman should be in consideration
Vertical routes are Daniels' bread and butter as a passer, and while Coleman may lack deep speed, he's got the size and ball skills to compensate pic.twitter.com/thCOyfceh7
— Taylor Kyles (@tkyles39) March 19, 2024
Quick Thoughts: Drafting Keon Coleman will require a plan, as his unique skill set doesn’t fit one particular box. While he lacks ideal speed and quickness, his rare size and excellent ball skills could make him a dominant presence in the right system.
Ricky Pearsall, Florida
Background: 6’1″, 189 lbs, 23 years old, Senior
Accolades: SEC First-Year Academic Honor Roll (2023, 2022), Senior Bowl
Key Measurements: 42″ vertical (97th %tile), 6.64s 3-cone (93rd %tile), 73 3/8″ wingspan (17th %tile)
Strengths: Body control, quickness, toughness, nuanced route runner, tracking, ball skills, blocking effort
Weaknesses: Modest size, average speed, struggles vs press, just okay after the catch
Patriots Connections: None reported
Ricky Pearsall's a fun route-runner, thanks in large part to quick feet and good knee bend
Haven't seen him vs press much, but like how he attacks leverage + blind spots, changes pace, incorporates leans + head fakes, gets physical at the top of routes, and doesn't tip his hand pic.twitter.com/3i6Pte3ccR
— Taylor Kyles (@tkyles39) March 19, 2024
Quick Thoughts: Ricky Pearsall may be a slot-only player in the NFL due to his lack of exceptional size and speed, but he’s one of the best separators and pass-catchers in this class and brings tone-setting toughness. If players with a bigger frame or more explosiveness in this range are off the board, Pearsall is a high-floor option who can contribute immediately.
Xavier Legette, South Carolina
Background: 6’1″, 221 lbs, 23 years old, Senior
Accolades: Second-Team All-SEC (2023), Senior Bowl
Key Measurements: 40″ vertical (91st %tile), 221 lbs (90th %tile), 9″ hands (21st %tile)
Strengths: Size, explosiveness, snappy in his breaks, strong hands, YAC ability, blocking, return ability
Weaknesses: Flexibility, change-of-direction, build-up speed, inexperienced route runner
Patriots Connections: Senior Bowl meeting, Combine meeting
Xavier Legette isn't the most nuanced route runner right now (tho he will attack blind spots), but he's fast, physical, and snaps off routes on a dime
When he doesn't get much separation, he makes up for it by being a jump-ball monster
Also gets after it as a run-blocker, tho… pic.twitter.com/DhOcvL3Ypb
— Taylor Kyles (@tkyles39) March 6, 2024
Quick Thoughts: Xavier Legette’s lack of fluidity and late breakout will make some teams nervous, but he proved to be a dangerous three-level threat on a talent-deprived South Carolina offense last season. Legette must continue to refine his game, but he’s an exceptional football player who can line up all over the formation and could grow into a solid WR1.
ROUND 3
Javon Baker, UCF
Background: 6’1″, 202 lbs, 22 years old, Senior Bowl
Accolades: First-Team All-Big 12 (2023)
Key Measurements: 78 1/4″ wingspan (71st %tile), 37″ vertical (69th %tile), 4.54s 40 (36th %tile)
Strengths: Explosiveness, body control, smooth and deceitful route runner, catch radius, YAC ability, blocking
Weaknesses: Inconsistent route runner, can struggle vs press, hot-and-cold ball skills
Patriots Connections: 30 visit
I wanna be very clear, Baker is a talented player who shows the ability to make those difficult grabs and work the boundary
The #Patriots should absolutely bank on his upside if he's available in the late 3rd/early 4th round, but any earlier would be too rich for my taste pic.twitter.com/T98KpnY7nC
— Taylor Kyles (@tkyles39) March 20, 2024
Quick Thoughts: Javon Baker has a lot of room to grow, but he has enticing physical tools, versatility, and route running chops. While he’s a tough projection who could go anywhere on day two, it’s tough to envision Baker not having a successful NFL career, given his traits and steady growth in college.
Ja’Lynn Polk, Washington
Background: 6’1″, 203 lbs, 21 years old, Sophomore
Accolades: Third-Team Freshman All-America (2022)
Key Measurements: 129″ broad (88th %tile), 9 3/4″ hands (76th %tile), 1.52s 10-yd split (76th %tile)
Strengths: Size and length, toughness, fast enough to stack corners, tracking, catch radius, ball skills, blocking
Weaknesses: Lacks explosiveness, limited route tree, can struggle vs press, inconsistent on contested catches
Patriots Connections: Worked with WRs coach Tyler Hughes in 2023
Ja'Lynn Polk isn't super explosive, but he's a damn good player with versatility, great ball skills, and enough juice to generate big plays
Tracks and adjusts well, goes all out to attack passes when necessary, and consistently finishes through contact
Also fights for extra… pic.twitter.com/KJL1370kT9
— Taylor Kyles (@tkyles39) April 11, 2024
Quick Thoughts: Ja’Lynn Polk reminds me of Jakobi Meyers with slightly more juice and less nuanced route running. He’s got inside-out versatility and makes up for a lack of dynamic athleticism by being a big target with strong hands and exceptional toughness. Polk’s reliability gives him high-end WR2 upside.
ROUND 3/4
Brenden Rice, USC
Background: 6’2″, 208 lbs, 22 years old, Senior
Accolades: Second-Team All-Pac-12 (2023), Senior Bowl
Key Measurements: 33″ arms (79th %tile), 6’2 3/8″ tall (75th %tile), 119″ broad (35th %tile)
Strengths: Size, burst, build-up speed, route pacing, tracking, strong hands, scramble adjustments, draws flags
Weaknesses: Lacks great speed and quickness, one-trick pony vs press, just okay contested-catch production
Patriots Connections: Informal Combine meeting
Brenden Rice catching a TD with Cam Hart all over him https://t.co/QJGjwBPLBN pic.twitter.com/8PUv539hJk
— Taylor Kyles (@tkyles39) February 1, 2024
Quick Thoughts: Brenden Rice has the size and athletic profile to be a solid X receiver for New England, and his Hall-of-Fame bloodlines don’t hurt. He’ll need to be more consistent to reach his ceiling as a very good WR2, but he can hold down the boundary receiver role from day one.
ROUND 4
Johnny Wilson, Florida State
Background: 6’6″, 231 lbs, 23 years old, Redshirt Junior
Accolades: Third-Team All-ACC (2023, Second-Team All-ACC (2022), Senior Bowl
Key Measurements: 6’6 3/8″ tall, 35 3/8″ arms, 84 1/2″ wingspan (all 99th %tile), 231 lbs (97th %tile)
Strengths: Rare size, deceptively quick, can quickly beat press, nuanced route runner, catch radius, tough tackle
Weaknesses: Doesn’t always play big, inconsistent vs press, inconsistent hands, can struggle to gear down
Patriots Connections: None reported
Johnny Wilson is a much better separator than you'd expect at 6'6", 230 lbs
Has good quickness and agility for his size, does a great job manipulating defenders off the line and in his stem, easily defeats press, and can be tough to bring down. Also love his effort as a blocker… pic.twitter.com/7pUH5E9heq
— Taylor Kyles (@tkyles39) April 10, 2024
Quick Thoughts: Johnny Wilson plays like a receiver half his size, which can be good or bad depending on the rep. He has the size and length to dominate at the catch point or off the line of scrimmage but isn’t as consistent as you’d like in either area. That said, Wilson’s quickness and route running are much better than his height-weight combination would suggest, and he could develop into an excellent X receiver if the kinks in his game can be ironed out.
Ainias Smith, Texas A&M
Background: 5’9″, 190 lbs, 22 years old, Graduate Student
Accolades: First-Team All-SEC (2023), Senior Bowl
Key Measurements: 21 bench reps (92nd %tile), 29″ arms (1st %tile), 8 1/2″ hands (5th %tile)
Strengths: Explosiveness, change of direction, tracking, strong hands, YAC ability, return ability
Weaknesses: Size, limited route tree, catch radius, ball security, blocking, injury history
Patriots Connections: Pro Day meeting
Slot WR Ainias Smith is a tough tackle and crafty route runner with good, but not great explosiveness and strong hands (tho he will muff some punts)
Shows impressive spatial awareness and toughness vs contact, quickly gets into YAC mode, and fights like hell for extra yards https://t.co/zKazKq1zQn pic.twitter.com/1Nlfi4QNeU
— Taylor Kyles (@tkyles39) April 4, 2024
Quick Thoughts: Ainias Smith may overlap with DeMario Douglas, but with Pop suffering multiple concussions last season, an insurance policy on day two might not be a bad idea. Smith’s dynamic athleticism can be utilized in multiple ways, and he might offer more downfield upside than he showed in college. With Myles Bryant gone, New England could also use additional depth at punt returner.
LATE DAY 3/PRIORITY FREE AGENT
Bub Means, Pitt
Background: 6’1″, 212 lbs, 23 years old, Redshirt Senior
Accolades: Shrine Bowl, All-ACC Honorable Mention (2023)
Key Measurements: 10 1/8″ hands (91st %tile), 39 1/2″ vertical (89th %tile), 79 3/8″ wingspan (86th %tile)
Strengths: Size, burst, build-up speed, excels vs press, catch radius, strong hands
Weaknesses: Raw and inconsistent route runner, elusiveness, blocking
Patriots Connections: Asst. WR coach and former Pitt WR coach Tiquan Underwood attended Pitt Pro Day
Bub Means has good size + ball skills to box out defenders and make tough catches over the middle
Not super explosive, but he's got enough juice to stack CBs or turn catches in space into chunk plays
Also has solid burst and largely avoids wasted movement as a route runner https://t.co/rNHSnnz00U pic.twitter.com/y7cEPAedF4
— Taylor Kyles (@tkyles39) March 27, 2024
Quick Thoughts: Former Pitt coach Tiquan Underwood would have to continue honing the technical side of Bub Means’ game, but the receiver has exciting X-receiver tools and could prove to be an excellent day-three value.
Jalen Coker, Holy Cross
Background: 6’1″, 208 lbs, Senior
Accolades: Shrine Bowl, First-Team FCS All-American (2023)
Key Measurements: 42 1/2″ vertical (98th %tile), 9 7/8″ hands (82nd %tile), 4.57s 40 (29th %tile)
Strengths: Size, quickness, vertical explosiveness, flexibility, tracking, catch radius, strong hands, tough tackle
Weaknesses: Pedigree, fast enough to stack corners but isn’t a burner, inconsistent vs press, elusiveness
Patriots Connections: Shrine Bowl meeting, Local Pro Day invitation
Jalen Coker is a fade machine. Has good size, long arms, and vertical explosiveness, which he complements with great tracking, concentration, and ball skills
Really like how he stresses defenders at the top of routes and uses active hands to shed contact, especially on slants… https://t.co/6YgOigvX99 pic.twitter.com/buNfGqT8Dc
— Taylor Kyles (@tkyles39) April 4, 2024
Quick Thoughts: Jalen Coker’s game is similar to DeVante Parker’s, as both excel on 50-50 jump balls and slant routes. But unlike Parker, he doesn’t come with a lengthy injury history and has more upside as a separator and YAC threat. While Coker could immediately contribute as a Red Zone target and rotational player, he must prove he can hang with NFL competition to earn a larger role.
Tejhaun Palmer, UAB
Background: 6’2″, 210 lbs, Redshirt Senior
Accolades: Shrine Bowl, Third-Team All-AAC
Key Measurements: N/A
Strengths: Size, speed, body control, toughness, tough and slippery after the catch, blocking
Weaknesses: Pedigree, inconsistent hands, raw route runner
Patriots Connections: 30 visit
Tejhaun Palmer is 6'2", 210 lbs with good speed and flexibility for his size
Showed impressive ball skills and body control, and while his level of competition wasn't great, there were multiple plays where he pulled away from pursuit after the catch https://t.co/5NVw1hHkCU pic.twitter.com/jago403zmm
— Taylor Kyles (@tkyles39) April 11, 2024
Quick Thoughts: To earn a spot on New England’s roster, Tejhaun Palmer must become a core special teamer, blocking specialist, and potential gadget player. That said, he has an intriguing physical profile and offers inside-out versatility, which could pave the way for a rotational role down the road.
