FOXBOROUGH – The first round of the 2024 NFL Draft came and went with a record number of offensive players (23) drafted.
It’s a good thing for the Patriots that there are still a good number of offensive weapons left on the board for when they draft next. The team is currently scheduled to pick at No. 34, which is the second pick of Round 2.
For Eliot Wolf, his biggest need is clear.
After drafting Drake Maye with the No. 3 pick on Thursday, Wolf was asked what he needed to do to support the young quarterback.
“I just think we need to support him anyway we can – on the field, off the field,” Wolf said. “We need to add some weapons to the offense. We need to shore up the offensive line. We have good players already at those positions, but really just increasing the depth and competition.”
At the NFL Combine, Wolf said he wanted to “weaponize” the Patriots offense. He attempted to do that by offering Calvin Ridley a competitive deal, but the receiver signed with Tennessee. The Patriots added veteran receiver K.J. Osborn, but still lack a legitimate No. 1 receiver.
That’s where their next pick could come in. The Patriots have a chance on Friday night to add a blue-chip prospect at receiver. Here’s a look at the best available receivers:
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Adonai Mitchell, Texas
Mitchell is one of the best overall players left in the draft. A 6-foot-2 outside receiver, he caught 55 passes for 845 yards with 11 touchdowns last season. Along with his size, he’s a very good athlete (4.34 40-yard dash). The Patriots had their receivers coach at Mitchell’s Pro Day.
Ladd McConkey, Georgia
A 6-foot slot receiver, McConkey finished with 30 catches, 478 yards and two touchdowns. He missed some time due to a back and ankle injury. He’s a very good route runner and ran a 4.39 40-yard dash. The Patriots met with McConkey at the Senior Bowl and sent their receivers coach to his Pro Day.
Keon Coleman, Florida State
If the Patriots want an X-receiver, they could turn to Coleman. He stands 6-foot-3 and weighs 213 pounds. Coleman caught 50 passes for 658 yards with 11 touchdowns last season. He also returned punts (12.0 average). Coleman ran only a 4.61 40, but he’s a former basketball player and excels as a jump-ball receiver.
Troy Franklin, Oregon
Franklin is a 6-foot-2, 176-pound outside receiver. He finished with 81 receptions, 1,383 yards and 14 touchdowns last season. He’s a burner who relies on yards after the catch. The Patriots went to Franklin’s Pro Day and had him in for a pre-draft visit.
Ja’Lynn Polk, Washington
Polk is a 6-foot-1, 203-pound receiver with the ability to play in the slot and outside the number. He caught 69 passes for 1,159 yards with nine touchdowns last season. He has very strong hands and excels with contest catches. The Patriots receiver coach, Tyler Hughes, coached at Washington last fall.
Roman Wilson, Michigan
Wilson is 5-foot-11 and weighs 185 pounds. He projects as a slot receiver in the NFL. He caught 48 passes for 789 yards with 12 touchdowns last fall. He ran a 4.39 40-yard dash and is said to be an electrifying athlete. The Patriots were at his Pro Day.
Devontez Walker, North Carolina
After drafting Maye, could the Patriots draft his top target at North Carolina? Walker is a 6-foot-1, 193-pound outside receiver. He caught 41 passes for 699 yards with seven touchdowns in eight games for North Carolina last season. Walker is an X-receiver, which the Patriots need. He averaged 17.0 yards per catch in 2023. The Patriots met with Walker at the Senior Bowl and went to his Pro Day.
