Improving at the wide receiver position could mean the difference between a successful and failed season for the New England Patriots. They ultimately control their fate regarding that outcome with the No. 14 overall pick of the 2023 NFL draft.
And there’s a good chance it won’t just stop there.
Regardless of whether the Patriots use their first-round pick on a receiver or not, they might end up double dipping at the position in hopes of landing on a player that can make an immediate impact on the roster.
There’s no question the team needs a legit No. 1 receiving option that can consistently separate and make plays on the outside. They could get it with speed, size or a combination of both in this year’s draft.
Here are 10 receivers for the Patriots to target.
Marvin Mims, Oklahoma
The solution for the Patriots isn’t just finding a big receiver and throwing him out wide. No, this is a team that needs a playmaker with the ball in his hands. When it comes to yards after the catch, Mims is one of the best in this year’s draft. Put the ball in his hands, and watch him go to work.
It’s as simple as that.
Michael Wilson, Stanford
Michael Wilson could be a tremendous pick-up if the draft ends up not being so hot on receiver selections. That could mean a big, physical option like Wilson could slide down the board.
The Patriots clearly need a No. 1 receiver, and Wilson could be just the player to contend for that role on offense. He’s also a former team captain at Stanford, which means he’ll come with the sort of leadership intangibles the Patriots love in their players.
Jalin Hyatt, Tennessee
Who loves track star speed?
If that’s your jam, you’ll love Tennessee’s Jalin Hyatt. No, there aren’t a lot of subtleties to his game, especially in the route-running department. But he will line up and sprint past a defense. Mac Jones loved heaving up deep passes to DeVonta Smith and Jaylen Waddle at Alabama. Doing the same with Hyatt would be the sort of nostalgia he needs to get back on track.
Jordan Addison, USC
Jordan Addison is a nightmare to defend against considering he can line up anywhere at receiver. Do you need a burner over the top? Addison has the jets to make opposing defenses cry uncle. Do you need another guy to work in the slot? Addison has the footwork and short area quickness to get free and punish defenders.
Ronnie Bell, Michigan
Ronnie Bell is drawing Danny Amendola comparisons because he’s one of those wiry receivers that’s seemingly always in the right place at the right time. He fights his way to a spot, hauls in passes and keeps the chains moving. What more would you want from a possible late-round prospect?
Jonathan Mingo, Ole Miss
Slot receivers have a long history of performing well in the Patriots offense, and a big slot option like Ole Miss’ Jonathan Mingo would have a great shot at continuing that trend. Not only can Mingo dominate as a receiver, but he also isn’t afraid to throw his body in front of defenders as a blocker. He has rare traits for a player that might end up being the best at his position one day, when looking back at this draft.
Bryce Ford-Wheaton, West Virginia
The Patriots were the second-worst team in the league last season in red zone touchdown scoring percentage. Standing at 6-foot-4 and 221 pounds, Bryce Ford-Wheaton would be a large touchdown target for Mac Jones in the red zone. There isn’t anything necessarily flashy about his game, but he’s willing to be physical and use his size to come down with jump balls.
Quentin Johnston, TCU
Quentin Johnston has the rare blend of size and speed to give the Patriots the best of both worlds at the receiver position. Nothing will come easy for Patriots wideouts in a stacked AFC East division full of intimidating defenses. However, good luck trying to bully Johnston, who is the physical freak of this receiver class.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Ohio State
The Patriots clearly need consistency at the receiver position, and they probably won’t do any better in this year’s draft than former Ohio State wideout Jaxon Smith-Njigba. If he’s still on the board at No. 14, things could get interesting for New England. Smith-Njigba has the best hands in the draft, and he’s gone toe-to-toe with some of the best defensive backs in all of college football.
Zay Flowers, Boston College
There’s a good reason why Zay Flowers has been one of the most mocked players to the Patriots, and it has nothing to do with the mere fact that he’s a Boston College prospect.
The former Eagles standout receiver is a true game-breaker on the field. He’s the sort of playmaker that makes defenses pay attention because he’s a legitimate home run threat. That’s the sort of talent that could take the Patriots offense to levels they’ve only imagined in the post-Tom Brady era.
