With the 2023 NFL draft just days away, the Patriots have some big decisions to make regarding what position they will decide to go with in round one.
Since wide receiver is one of the reported narrowed-down choices, many have speculated Bill Belichick will go with one of the top prospects with their first-round pick, despite their bad luck the last time they did that with N’Keal Harry in 2019.
But what if they go in a different direction with pick 14?
Although that may differ from what many fans want to see, plenty of talented receivers will still be left on the board that could easily be great fits in New England.
(the following list is in alphabetical order)
Nathaniel (Tank) Dell – Houston
Projected round: Second or third
- HEIGHT: 5’8″ or 5’10” (both are listed on various websites)
- WEIGHT: 165 lbs
- 40-YARD-DASH: 4.49 seconds
- 2022 stats: 108/152 receptions, 1,399 yards, 17 touchdowns in 13 games
Tank Dell out of Houston may not be the tallest receiver of the class, but he’s certainly one of the most explosive in the group.
He’s a twitchy, speed machine who is efficient in his route running and demonstrates an impeccable ability to change direction. Throughout his time at Houston, he became known for his proficiency in gaining yards after the catch, something the Patriots could truly benefit from, and he always figured out a way to get open.
Dell completely dominated the field through the last two seasons, totaling 199/291 catches for 2,727 yards and 29 touchdowns, averaging 13.8 yards per catch.
History will tell you that due to his slender build, his performance could translate poorly in the NFL, but with the right coaching and the right system, Dell could easily become a primary offensive weapon.
Josh Downs – North Carolina
Projected round: Second
- HEIGHT: 5’9″
- WEIGHT: 171 lbs
- 40-YARD-DASH: 4.48 seconds
- 2022 STATS: 94/116 receptions, 1,029 yards, 11 touchdowns in 11 games
Another of the shorter receivers, Josh Downs, could be a great slot option for the Patriots on day two.
Considered one of the better prospects of the 2023 class, Downs is a complete workhorse with noteworthy athleticism and footwork that got scouts talking. In addition, his impressive instincts and separation make him a standout despite his size and contributed to the packed resume he created over the last two seasons.
Like Dell, his size is what most deem questionable regarding his performance in the NFL. However, the Patriots are known for working wonders with those types of guys, and Downs has been compared to some New England greats.
He would be an excellent day-two option if Belichick wants insurance that he’s getting a capable and hard-working player with the confidence and technique to put him over the top.
Bryce Ford-Wheaton – West Virginia
- HEIGHT: 6’4″
- WEIGHT: 221 lbs
- 40-YARD DASH: 4.38 seconds
- 2022 STATS: 62/105 receptions, 675 yards, 7 touchdowns in 12 games
As the first day three option on this list, Bryce Ford-Wheaton would be a pick that the Patriots believe they could mold into the receiver they need while bringing out his best natural attributes.
Because his tape is limited during his time at West Virginia, you must consider the big picture when taking Ford-Wheaton. But during the opportunities he was given, he was consistently productive. His performance in 2022 led the team in receptions and touchdowns and earned him All-Big 12 Conference Second Team honors.
Ford-Wheaton is one of the bigger options of the class, which would be a great addition to the Patriots receiving corps, and was named a jump-ball specialist. He’s also experienced on special teams, which is an attribute Belichick would undoubtedly love.
Jalin Hyatt – Tennessee
Projected round – Third
- HEIGHT: 6’0″
- WEIGHT: 176 lbs
- 40-YARD DASH: 4.4 seconds
- 2022 STATS: 67/89 receptions, 1,267 yards, 15 touchdowns in 12 games
If the first two rounds look bleak for receivers, the Patriots could take Jalin Hyatt in round three.
Hyatt knew when to showcase his talents the most, having a breakout season in 2022, demonstrating how talented he is at gaining separation and getting downfield for a good deep pass. He is a vertical threat with the speed to run past any defense and can make an immediate impact on an offense.
Although he’s shown flashes of great play, his inconsistency and reported limited route tree would need to be a coaching priority if the Patriots went with Hyatt.
Jonathan Mingo – Mississippi
- HEIGHT: 6’2″
- WEIGHT: 220 lbs
- 40-YARD DASH: 4.46 seconds
- 2022 STATS: 51/87 receptions, 861 yards, 5 touchdowns in 13 games
Despite his stats not screaming, “Draft me!” Jonathan Mingo’s improved performance throughout his college career makes him a serious contender for the Patriots in a later round.
His production in 2022 checked all the boxes of career-high numbers while demonstrating his versatility and notable blocking abilities. Mingo is considered one of the more prototypical options of this year’s draft but brings dynamism and explosiveness that make him stand out amongst the rest.
Because the Patriots need a productive and reliable player to potentially boost their offense, Mingo would be a safe pick.
Marvin Mims – Oklahoma
- HEIGHT: 5’11”
- WEIGHT: 183 lbs
- 40-YARD DASH: 4.38 seconds
- 2022 STATS: 54/87 receptions, 1,082 yards, 6 touchdowns in 13 games
Since the Patriots valued speed so much in last year’s draft, they could go in that direction again this year by taking one of the fastest receivers this year in Marvin Mims.
As a projected slot wideout in the NFL, Mims’ versatility and ability to stretch the field would be a great addition to the newly-renovated Bill O’Brien offense. His quickness makes for great stop-and-go opportunities, allowing him to trick defenders into getting deep downfield.
One of the most impressive attributes that should make him a consideration for New England is his consistently impressive yards per catch, averaging just under 20 yards over his three-year college career. As one of the weaker points of the Patriots’ current receiving corps, Mims would add a significant boost in more ways than one.
A.T. Perry – Wake Forest
Projected round: Late second
- HEIGHT: 6’3″
- WEIGHT: 198 lbs
- 40-YARD DASH: 4.47 seconds
- 2022 STATS: 81/129 receptions, 1,100 yards, 11 touchdowns in 13 games
If Belichick wants size in a receiver, A.T. Perry would be near the top of the list.
The Patriots coaching staff is already familiar with the receiver, having worked with him closely earlier this year during the Shrine Bowl. His performance during the game earned him PFF’s highest grade of all receivers there.
But his production throughout the week isn’t all that is impressive about his game.
Perry totaled just short of 2,400 yards in the last two years at Wake Forest, along with 26 touchdowns and averaging 15.9 yards per catch. His size and unreal wingspan make him a consistent threat to opposing defenders, a quality that the Patriots currently need to compete with the ever-improving AFC East.
He has been compared to DeVante Parker, with the physicality and tools to potentially be even better than the veteran. His most significant inconsistencies come in the form of drops, but his natural talent makes him a great candidate to overcome those frustrations from good coaching.
Tyler Scott – Cincinnati
- HEIGHT: 5’10”
- WEIGHT: 177 lbs
- 40-YARD DASH: 4.44 seconds
- 2022 STATS: 55/88 receptions, 904 yards, 9 touchdowns in 11 games
Over the last twenty-plus years of Belichick in New England, he has consistently brought in players who either have multi-position experience or are drafted as one position only to switch them upon arrival. Tyler Scott could be the latest on that long list of former Patriots.
A former running back with just two years of starting experience as a receiver, Scott demonstrates unique characteristics as a downfield threat and a great slot option. With a background in track and field, he’s a great runner, which was consistently displayed as he totaled ten 30-plus yard touchdowns in his college career.
Scott would add another explosive weapon to the Patriots, bringing a speedy and versatile talent with a high upside to the evolving offense.
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.