Combine chatter reveals Patriots plans for a receiver

The NFL Combine is well underway, and Patriots fans are paying close attention to any player that could be available at pick 14.

New England is likely focusing on a few prominent positions when watching prospects participate in different drills, such as wide receiver, cornerback, and edge. Because they have the highest first-round pick since the 2008 draft, many are under the impression Bill Belichick and co. will select one of the top receivers to help boost Mac Jones and the offense, especially since that continues to be a struggling unit for the team.

However, the latest gossip from the Combine suggests otherwise.

Despite what most have decided is a glaring need offensively, Chad Graff from The Athletic reported what he’s been hearing over the past week, stating that the Patriots are looking to acquire a veteran receiver via trade rather than use their first-round pick to draft one.

"“Patriots’ preference at this point would be to address the position with a veteran rather than using their first-round pick, No. 14 overall, on a receiver.Even if the league has become more devoted to the passing game and even if rookie receivers have produced at a high level (four rookies topped 800 receiving yards last season), Belichick’s preference has always been to use his most prized picks on other positions. Since taking over the Patriots, he has had 14 selections in the top 30 of the draft. He did not use a single one of them to pick a wide receiver.”"

Of course, given Belichick’s history with drafting receivers, this isn’t exactly surprising.

But with their best receiver of the last few years, Jakobi Meyers, heading to free agency and likely earning a massive contract, is this the best decision while attempting to revamp the offense?

Considering the receivers hitting free agency this year aren’t the most sought-after, the only way for Belichick to improve the receiving corps would be from the draft or pulling off a big trade for a top-name player. Over the last few weeks in particular, the Patriots have been connected to DeAndre Hopkins, who is reportedly on the trade block, and most recently to one-time Patriot Brandin Cooks.

Graff mentioned those two, feeling like the most likely candidates the Patriots will go after, especially given their reasonable price tags.

"“The guess here is that the price tag would be a second-round pick for Hopkins and a third-round pick for Cooks.”"

Then there is the potential opportunity to pull off more of an unlikely trade, like one for Bengals’ star Tee Higgins or Broncos’ Jerry Jeudy.

But Cincinnati has repeatedly declared Higgins unavailable (which can always change), and Jeudy was not traded last season, despite Denver’s reported talks with several teams before the trade deadline, making his cost more questionable.

Regardless of what eventually happens, the fact the Patriots are allegedly discussing receivers, in general, is a good sign that they’re taking more of the right steps to improve the team.