Even with the emergence of Kayshon Boutte and the offseason addition of Stefon Diggs, there’s no such thing as too many weapons for Drake Maye.
Diggs turns 32 in November, and with how quickly offenses evolve in today’s league, New England would be wise to keep an eye on the next wave of playmakers in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Here are three prospects at wideout -- one for each day of the draft -- who could help keep the Patriots’ passing game dynamic and balanced well into the future.
The Patriots have some solid prospects to look forward to in next year's draft
Day One: Makai Lemon, USC
The centerpiece of USC’s offense, Lemon is a polished, versatile receiver who can win from anywhere on the field.
A true do-it-all target who can line up both inside and outside, Lemon offers alignment versatility and the threat of taking it the distance from anywhere on the football field.
At 5-foot-11, he has exceptional body control, an elite catch radius, and makes even the most difficult plays look effortless on the perimeter.
RELATED: Drake Maye just said what Patriots fans needed to hear about Josh McDaniels
Day Two: Germie Bernard, Alabama
After transferring from Washington, Bernard has emerged as one of the most well-rounded receivers in the SEC.
At 6-foot-1, he's a clean route-runner with the nuance it takes to succeed quickly at the highest level of the game.
Why he fits in New England is obvious beyond the physical traits -- Bernard plays with controlled aggression -- he’s tough through contact, reliable at the catch point, and shows real fluidity in how he separates at the stem.
His versatility stands out: comfortable operating out of the slot or on the perimeter, with enough burst to win deep and enough polish to move the chains underneath. For New England, Bernard profiles as the kind of steady, multi-phase target who can grow into a featured role alongside Boutte and Diggs, offering Maye another smart, dependable weapon in Josh McDaniels’ offense.
Day Three: Zachariah Branch, Georgia
A transfer to Athens from USC, Branch brings electricity to an offense.
A dynamic playmaker capable of lining up both inside and outside, Branch blends world-class acceleration with body control and strong hands, creating matchup problems all over the field.
His versatility echoes that of both Lemon and Bernard, but with added potential on special teams --he’s a legitimate threat in the return game and on designed touches.
Branch is the kind of player McDaniels could weaponize early, using screens, jet motion, and quick hitters to get the ball in his hands and let him work. For a Patriots offense looking to expand its explosive element, Branch would inject the kind of instant energy and creativity this passing game needs.