There are a few needs that the Patriots will need to prioritize during free agency and the draft, one of the more prominent of all is adding a talented receiver.
Although Bill Belichick doesn’t have an excellent track record with drafting receivers high, the crop of pass-catchers that he could draft with the 14th overall pick may be too much to pass on.
With the offense as the assumed focus of improvement, adding an obvious WR1 would dramatically help the offense, especially Mac Jones.
Breakdown of the Patriots’ potential first-round pick: receivers
Quentin Johnston – TCU
AGE: 21
HEIGHT: 6’4″
WEIGHT: 215 LBS
2022 stats: 14 games – 60 receptions for 1,069 yards, 6 touchdowns, 17.8 Y/C
As the number one ranked receiver of the 2023 class, the Patriots may strike gold if Johnston falls to them at 14. The TCU alum would instantly boost New England’s receiving corps, joining Kendrick Bourne and DeVante Parker with the direction of Bill O’Brien’s improved and competent play-calling.
Johnston is projected to test well at the combine, but he’s already impressed with his speed and agility. His size and quickness with natural athleticism make him a threat on the field while also being a quarterback’s favorite target. He would easily stretch the field and has proven skills at creating separation, which has been a weak spot for the Patriots’ receivers in recent years.
His growth during his time at TCU displays the work ethic and dedication needed to be a great player in the NFL. Pairing him with Belichick and co. could make Johnston the dangerous threat that the team has been looking for.
Breakdown of the Patriots’ potential first-round pick: receivers
Jordan Addison – USC
AGE: 21
HEIGHT: 6’0″
WEIGHT: 175 LBS
2022 stats: 11 games – 59 receptions for 875 yards, 8 touchdowns, 14.8 Y/C
The receiver most connected to the Patriots via mock drafts this year has been Addison, an exciting young player out of USC. Like Johnston, he is also a speedster with great technique for creating separation and consistently excelled at the game throughout his college years. So much so that he won the 2021 Biletnikoff Award (nation’s top receiver) as a sophomore at Pittsburgh, totaling 100 receptions for 1,593 yards and 17 touchdowns in 14 games.
The most intriguing aspect of Addison’s game is his natural abilities and intellect. He excels no matter where he lines up with incredible route-running ability and elusive footwork. His mere presence on the Patriots would bring a dynamic to the offense that has been lacking, and he’d be an immediate threat to opposing defenses starting in his rookie season.
If Belichick is serious about getting the team back on track with the hopes of becoming a competitive team again, Addison would be a solid start.
Breakdown of the Patriots’ potential first-round pick: receivers
Jaxon Smith-Njigba – Ohio State
AGE: 21
HEIGHT: 6’0″
WEIGHT: 198 LBS
2022 stats: 3 games – 5 receptions for 43 yards (hamstring injury)
2021 stats: 13 games – 95 receptions for 1,606 yards, 9 touchdowns, 16.9 Y/C
With the future of Jakobi Meyers still unknown, Belichick may look to replace him with one of the top slot receivers of the class. Smith-Njigba has built quite an astounding resume during his time at Ohio State, particularly during his sophomore season.
Despite sitting behind future Jets receiver Garrett Wilson and future Saints receiver Chris Olave in 2021, he broke multiple school and Big Ten records for his outstanding season.
But his stats were not the only impressive part of his performance. Smith-Njigba would instantly become Mac Jones’ favorite target, as he totaled a 141.8 QB rating when targeted during his sophomore season as well.
Smith-Njigba has a unique ability to break free of defenders and get consistently open for the quarterback. It would be a significant asset for New England’s offense as they try to bounce back from an underwhelming season last year. He may become unavailable when the Patriots’ pick comes around, but if he’s still on the board, he would be tough to pass on.
Breakdown of the Patriots’ potential first-round pick: receivers
Zay Flowers – Boston College
AGE: 22
HEIGHT: 5’10”
WEIGHT: 172 LBS
2022 stats: 12 games – 78 receptions for 1,077 yards, 12 touchdowns, 13.8 Y/C
If the Patriots want an excellent runner with impeccable skills and versatility in an offense, Flowers is definitely their guy.
Although he may be considered undersized to some, Flowers has consistently impressed with his elusiveness and incredible catch-and-run skillset. His quickness and vision, paired with his good hands, quickly made him a weapon at BC. And his flexibility at the position would often make you forget his lack of size.
Selecting Flowers would get the Patriots an all-around great receiver with the explosiveness to elevate any offense. His athleticism is part of what makes him a dangerous receiver, and he’s become a master at confusing defenders, particularly in the open field. In addition, the confidence and tenacity he possesses shine through, and he would certainly flourish under the guidance of Belichick.