Patriots: 3 WRs New England can draft in 2021 First Round
By Jack Long
![ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announces a pick by the New England Patriots during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announces a pick by the New England Patriots during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/6d8c9c61824454ed2dc417d6be6f60efbafff13a44f33618c11142a805eae7b7.jpg)
Jaylen Waddle – Alabama
Waddle only got to suit up for four games for Alabama this season before suffering an ankle injury that has held him out ever since. There is a chance he could return for the College Football Championship, which would be a great story for the kid.
The four games he did play this season for the Crimson Tide were mightily impressive to the point that he is close to a lock to be a top three receiver off the board in this year’s draft.
Waddle is an absolute speedster and burns college defenders all-day. A great ball-tracker and vertical threat, he is great at making the difficult catch.
The Patriots lack a true big-play threat, and Waddle could bring that and speed to a receiver corps that really has neither of those traits. He is also a great return man, and you know that is music to Bill Belichick’s ears.
If Waddle’s ankle is seen as back to 100% by people in the organization, he seems like a perfect weapon for New England.