10 wide receivers the Patriots can draft after the first round
Cedric Tillman – Tennessee
Projected round – Fourth
- HEIGHT: 6’3″
- WEIGHT: 213 lbs
- 40-YARD DASH: 4.54 seconds
- 2022 STATS: 37/59 receptions, 417 yards, 3 touchdowns in 6 games
Cedric Tillman is one of the few big-bodied receivers in this year’s class, a tough player who performed his best against some of the nation’s best talent. He’s shown extraordinary natural abilities with terrific body control and gaining separation, with the physicality that makes him excel in contested-catch scenarios.
Tillman’s large catch radius and ability to get open would be invaluable for Mac Jones as the quarterback hopes to have a bounce-back season. His patience and timing set him up for success, with great ball skills to keep the football in his hands, only dropping five of 104 catchable targets.
As one of the underrated talents on the board, the Patriots should explore how well of a fit Tillman would be in their offense. If they choose to go in a different direction for round one and want to utilize their options in later rounds, Tillman would be a huge asset to acquire.
Michael Wilson – Stanford
- HEIGHT: 6’2″
- WEIGHT: 213 lbs
- 40-YARD DASH: 4.58 seconds
- 2022 STATS: 27/40 receptions, 421 yards, 4 touchdowns in 6 games
One of the Patriots’ reported favorites from the Shrine Bowl, Michael Wilson, stole the show with his performance in the February game.
Injuries have plagued his college career over the last two seasons, playing in just 11 games since 2021. But his energetic performance and versatility put most doubts to rest earlier this year. Like others on this list, Wilson would also add special teams potential, which is a serious need for the Patriots moving forward.
As an offensive weapon, Wilson would add speed and deep football knowledge immediately to the receiving corps. Although he’s fallen in the rankings due to injury, he checks many boxes that Belichick typically looks for.
He’s clearly already made a favorable impression amongst Patriots coaches, thus likely boosting his presence on the team’s draft board and his chances of being drafted at some point.