A Bombshell: Bill Belichick traded in this Patriots 5-round NFL mock draft
By Ryan Heckman
![New England Patriots, Bill Belichick New England Patriots, Bill Belichick](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_3600,h_2025,x_0,y_0/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/GettyImages/mmsport/49/01hhfxw31j564wdv57az.jpg)
. Emeka Egbuka. WR. . Emeka Egbuka. . 490. Emeka Egbuka. 2. player
One of the biggest frustrations amongst Pats fans over the last few years has been the team's inability to gain consistency and security at the wide receiver position. Last offseason, the team opted not to pay Jakobi Meyers, which was the wrong move. Instead, they paid JuJu Smith-Schuster and DeVante Parker.
A first-round pick, Tyquan Thornton, has not panned out as planned. It appears, though, the team finally has a consistent producer in Demario Douglas. Now, they need an alpha. They need a real, legitimate threat on the outside. That's why they select Ohio State wide receiver Emeka Egbuka here at pick no. 35. Somehow, Egbuka was available for us here in this mock.
Egbuka is your typical Buckeye receiver. He stands 6-foot-1 with a lean, dense frame that can maneuver around defensive backs in a variety of ways. His body control is excellent and he's able to run a smooth allotment of routes, giving the Patriots someone they can count on to be their no. 1 guy.
Egbuka gives you the feeling of someone who can be a high-volume contributor due to his route running and sleek, quick footwork. For a rookie quarterback like Maye, Egbuka might end up being his best friend. This is a dependable, quality receiver with a high floor and high ceiling as a pro.