Although there's an uncertainty surrounding the Patriots' decision to draft a quarterback with the third overall pick, it continues to be the assumption as it seems to be the best move to make for a team in desperate need of a new franchise player.
Following that assumption, the team would need to prioritize drafting their next starting left tackle and finding their long-awaited WR1. Fortunately, both positions are said to be deep classes this year, which works in New England's favor during a pivotal offseason under new head coach Jerod Mayo.
Which of the two much-needed additions should be the second priority on the list depends on who you ask, but for argument's sake, let's say it should be snagging a receiver.
In that case, many talented players would boost the offense if drafted, especially one that is seeing an almost complete makeover under new offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt and presumed rookie quarterback.
The Patriots' choices beyond the first round are plenty, but here are the nine best options.
9 receivers Patriots could draft beyond the first round
Ladd McConkey - Georgia
One of the more hyped players as of late for the Patriots has been Ladd McConkey, an incredibly talented and versatile player with a natural athleticism that sets him apart from others in this year's class.
The 6-foot Georgia alum has lined up everywhere during his football career, and not just on the offense. Besides putting together a respectable resume as a wide receiver, he has experience as a quarterback and running back from his high school days.
Plus, he's performed as a defensive back, punter, and return specialist; this guy screams the Bill Belichick prototype, does he not?
He could fill multiple roles for the Patriots, which puts his value over the top, considering all the changes the team is going through. But he could predominately fill the slot/outside role on the offense, where he recorded 119 receptions for 1,692 yards and 14 touchdowns over three seasons.
McConkey wouldn't necessarily fill the WR1 need that the Patriots are looking for, but with a deep class, they could snag him early and add another player in a later round.
9 receivers Patriots could draft beyond the first round
Roman Wilson - Michigan
If Van Pelt wants a solid slot receiver, Michigan's Roman Wilson would be a great choice. He hasn't been nearly as hyped as others on this list, mainly due to his lack of eye-popping stats, but flying under the radar doesn't mean he wouldn't be a worthy selection.
Wilson possesses an explosive style and has the speed to match. One of the most impressive parts of his game has been the continuation of his improvement within an offense, something the Patriots need on the roster after how disappointing the 2023 season was.
His reliability is another selling point that a rookie quarterback will need as he transitions into the NFL next season. Wilson provides that in the slot, recording just one drop during the entire 2023 season while totaling 48 receptions for 789 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Because he's believed to be an even better weapon than what his tape will show, with some scouts feeling he would be projected higher had he attended a different college to provide him more opportunities on game day, the Patriots could potentially get the steal of the draft by taking Wilson on day two.
Ricky Pearsall - Florida
Another pure slot option would be Ricky Pearsall, a dependable target known for making unbelievable catches during his career. He is one of the few players considered to be NFL-ready right out of the gate, which should pique the Patriots' interest as they aim to build a viable offense ready to go on day one.
Besides his flashy catches, Pearsall is a top-of-the-line route runner with the incredible talent of knowing just how to break away from defenders on almost any given play.
He provides his future team versatility within the offense, as he is experienced as an outside option. But he's also a solid contributor on special teams, and he's another part of the Patriots team that is in need of serious improvement.
His 2023 season was his most impressive to date, recording 65 receptions for 963 yards and four touchdowns, spending nearly equal time on the field as a slot and outside option.
Pearsall has many qualities that could bolster the Patriots' offense, even if he's not the flashiest of all players, and could be a better than expected pick on day two or three.
9 receivers Patriots could draft beyond the first round
Keon Coleman - Florida State
If the Patriots want to add size, speed, and physicality to their receiving corps, then Keon Coleman could be one of their best options.
The Florida State alum brings an aggressive style that allowed him to become a threat after the catch, a much-needed trait on New England's depth chart. It also made him a solid contested catch option, which is one reason for Tyquan Thornton's drafting. But he is yet ti be impactful in that area, opening the door for Coleman to fill that void.
His background as a basketball player through college is also an enticing factor, adding a unique skill set that most others don't have. Coleman is proven to be good with his hands, recording just two drops in 2023.
Coleman's body control and speed make him a defender's worst nightmare, an aspect the Patriots need from their receivers, especially as the AFC East continues to get stronger.
Ja'Lynn Polk - Washington
Versatility is valued in New England probably more than any other team in the NFL, which is why a guy like Ja'Lynn Polk would be a great option in the second round of the draft.
His physicality on the football field makes him more intriguing than others, which not many other receivers possess. His determination to make tough catches and zoom away from defenders is part of his natural talent, exhibited by his impeccable balance and reliability.
Because of that, Polk was known for being a playmaker despite not being the fastest guy on the field. He proved that even more during his final season at Washington, recording 69 receptions for 1,159 yards and nine touchdowns as a versatile option for quarterback Michael Penix Jr.
He has the makings of a great addition to the Patriots' roster, adding the explosivity and big playmaker they're missing.
9 receivers Patriots could draft beyond the first round
DeVontez Walker - UNC
With Drake Maye as a possible first-round selection, drafting his favorite receiver would certainly make for an easy transition to the NFL.
Regardless of who the eventual starting quarterback will be, DeVontez Walker will bring the speed and explosiveness that any offense would love to have on their roster.
Among the many positives about his game, one aspect that catches the eye regarding his fit with the Patriots is his label of having all the "makings of a game-changing NFL receiver," according to PFF. Because that's exactly what the Patriots need, and most feel you can't get that caliber of player outside of the first round, Walker would be striking gold on day two.
Besides his speed being considered the most noteworthy, Walker is impressively agile for his size at 6'2", which also gives him a great catch radius to make big plays over dominating defenders.
Above all, he could be the best option for the Patriots purely on his potential, which some might question due to the "lack of competitive teams" in his college division.
However, he transferred from Kent State after the 2022 season, which happened to be his most successful, and he proved he could more than hang with the talent of some of the best football programs in the nation. So, it shouldn't be much of a concern whatsoever.
Javon Baker - UCF
Coming off the best season of his college career at UCF, where he recorded 52 receptions for 1,139 yards and seven touchdowns, Javon Baker seems to fit the mold of the new offense being made under the new regime in Foxboro.
Baker showed he could be the ultimate weapon during his final season in 2023, spending time in multiple lineups on the field and succeeding no matter the task.
That is an enticing trait that makes him stand out to a team like the Patriots, who could significantly benefit from that versatility as they determine the offense's identity moving forward.
On top of it all, Baker is impressive with his hands and route-running, both of which have been lacking in New England amongst most of their pass catchers. He could easily fill the role left behind by DeVante Parker as well, which makes the idea of drafting him even more intriguing.
9 receivers Patriots could draft beyond the first round
Brenden Rice - USC
The most obvious reason many want to see their team draft Brenden Rice is simple: his dad is the legendary receiver Jerry Rice, who most players at the position model their game after in hopes of becoming half as good as he was throughout his accomplished career.
Those are big shoes for Brenden to fill, but he's already on path to proving he's much more than just Jerry's son.
Throughout his years at USC, he's demonstrated his outstanding ability to win as a route runner against defenders and consistently impressed with how well-rounded and polished he was on the field. Rice certainly benefitted from having a father who knew the game so well and who passed on that knowledge to his son, which ultimately benefitted him as he enters the NFL Draft this year.
Having a high football IQ coupled with the evaluation that projects him to be a dynamic and high-floor option for an offense makes him an unquestioned choice for the Patriots.
Luke McCaffrey - Rice
Is there really anyone out there who would argue against the Patriots drafting the younger brother of one of the best running backs in the league?
It seems safe to assume those people don't exist, which is even more reason for Luke McCaffrey to land in New England for the 2024 season.
Although he's not expected to be the wide receiver equivalent to his brother Christian, Luke would be a solid pickup in the later rounds whose experience in the slot and out wide could be incredibly beneficial for the Patriots offense.
The 6'2" prospect is a former quarterback, giving him a deeper knowledge of how an offense operates than most others in this year's class. With just two years as a receiver under his belt, he surely has some growing to do. However, his productive last two seasons at Rice as a pass catcher prove he can become exactly the player the Patriots could utilize.
During the 2022 and 2023 seasons, he recorded 129 receptions for 1,715 yards and 19 touchdowns, all while averaging 13.25 yards per catch. If he could accomplish those numbers with limited experience, imagine what he could do with even more playing time in the NFL.