The New England Patriots added several players in free agency, with the best player they signed being safety Kevin Byard III, despite safety not being one of their most pressing roster needs this offseason.
Because of that, their decision to release wide receiver Stefon Diggs makes the position one of the team's greatest needs after the first wave of free agency.
The Patriots entered free agency with offensive line and edge as the two units of greatest need. Nothing has changed. When they cut Diggs, the need for a wide receiver rose to a higher level, even after signing Romeo Doubs, a solid No. 2 from the Packers.
Now the Patriots have an imperative to get a No. 1 or at least a No. 1A type to try to replace Diggs' solid 2025 production of 85 catches for 1,013 yards and four touchdowns. One way to do so is in the draft.
If they fail to trade for a No. 1 like A.J. Brown, that's exactly what they'll have to do.
Wide receiver Chris Brazzell II of Tennessee brings a lot to the table
Bleacher Report's Khristopher Knox sees Tennessee's Chris Brazzell II as a great draft fit for the Patriots.
He could be exactly what the Patriots' offense needs for the 2026 season.
"Tennessee's Chris Brazzell II is an explosive playmaker with an alluring combination of size (6'4", 198 lbs) and speed (4.37-second 40-yard dash)...The former Tulane standout projects as a true deep threat at the pro level, though perhaps not a complete X receiver.
Brazzell would fit best with a strong-armed quarterback and a reliable receiver who can turn shorter throws into big gains. He'd find that with Drake Maye, Romeo Doubs, and the New England Patriots—who were paired with Brazzell in the B/R Scouting Department's post-combine mock draft."
It will probably take the Patriots' first-round pick at No. 31 to land Brazzell if they choose to go wide receiver early. Another option is to trade down for additional picks and hope he's still available whenever they pick in the second round.
Brazzell is a big target at 6'4", and he can fly as his Combine 40-yard dash attests. He caught 62 passes for 1,017 yards and nine touchdowns for the Vols last season. That's the kind of production Drake Maye needs to put the offense over the top.
He now has Doubs, Mack Hollins, DeMario Douglas, and Kayshon Boutte to throw to, as well as Efton Chism III if the team decides to utilize his talent. Brazzell would fit in nicely with this grouping.
The Patriots have a slew of needs in the 2026 NFL draft. They need offensive linemen and edge players most of all. But now, they also need a wide receiver. If they choose to wait on the first two positions, Brazzell would be a nice option for them at a need position at pick No. 31.
We'll see in which direction Mike Vrabel and his personnel staff decide to go in late April.