Throughout Bill Belichick's tenure as the Patriots' head coach and unofficial general manager, there have been many players mistakenly passed on, whether that was clear immediately or in hindsight, and there might be room to add wide receiver Puka Nacua to that list.
The Rams' superstar pass catcher was a fifth-round pick in 2023, a draft in which the Patriots selected 12 players, five of whom remain with the team today. In the fifth round, Belichick picked OL Atonio Mafi, leaving Nacua on the board. And maybe it wasn't a bad move at the time, but considering what he's already ascended to, it's regrettable now.
But what if they could right a former wrong with this year's draft class? That's what ESPN's Field Yates has done for the Patriots in his latest mock draft, as he has the Patriots take WR Denzel Boston out of the University of Washington at No. 31.
He's been compared to Nacua in the pre-draft process, and although some would argue other positions are more needy than wide receiver for New England, it's hard to argue why they could pass up on Boston and feel good about it.
The Patriots could finally get their own Puka Nacua on the roster in 2026
Known for his size and versatility, Yates believes Boston would be a great fit for what the Patriots are trying to build around Drake Maye.
NFL analyst Lance Zierlein really sells the pick by comparing him to Nacua, which makes him a far more interesting and digestible first-round selection for the Patriots than some might initially think.
"A Puka Nacua comparison might feel strong, but like Nacua, Boston enters the draft with speed/separation concerns and outstanding competitive toughness. Boston gets off the line with good burst and maintains his top speed throughout the route.
He could have issues beating press, but releases can also be schemed. He’s very skilled when it comes to winning jump balls and contested throws. Boston also knows how to win in the red zone. Acclimating to NFL competition could take a year, but Boston has the makeup to become a productive possession target with above-average red-zone value."
Imagine giving that kind of player to Maye to work with, on top of already adding Romeo Doubs in free agency and still being involved in potential trade talks for AJ Brown.
Boston would immediately give the receiving corps a big upside with the kind of potential they have been lacking for a number of years. Although Zierlein believes it might take him a year to really get into NFL form, the Patriots have time to wait, particularly if he turns into another Nacua.
He would be even more worth the selection if they aren't able to successfully trade for a veteran, like Brown or anyone else. Boston would have the time to grow with a young quarterback and become the go-to weapon that he deserves, just like Nacua has for Matthew Stafford.
That sounds almost too good to be true, but NFL experts are suggesting it's the right comp, so the Patriots should seriously consider Boston if he's still on the board at No. 31.