The New England Patriots spent big in free agency but failed to add elite pass catchers for Drake Maye. They could make that a focus early in the upcoming NFL Draft.
The Patriots have the opportunity to get one of the best players in the draft with the fourth overall pick. Should they choose to draft a receiver that high, they could be getting a superstar. SB Nations’ Matt St. Jean predicted the Patriots would spend the No.4 overall pick on Tetairoa McMillan and then draft Iowa State wide receiver Jaylin Noel in the third round.
“The wide receiver from Arizona has the size, production, and age you look for in the primary receiver in an NFL offense,” St. Jean wrote of McMillan. “At 6-foot-5, McMillan is a big body with a wide catch radius capable of erasing mistakes from a quarterback. For a young, developing player like Drake Maye, a safety blanket like McMillan could help accelerate his development.”
McMillan has the traits to be a superstar in the NFL. His wide catch radius, size, speed and route-running ability would make him a great addition. He and Mayte could grow together as the Patriots look to get back to their winning ways. However, adding a running mate for McMillan like St. Jean predicted could reshape the Patriots’ offense for years to come.
“From a 4.39-second 40-time to a 6.81-second 3-cone to an 11-foot-2 broad jump, Iowa State wideout Jaylin Noel improved his stock at the Combine,” wrote St. Jean. “Thanks to that performance, he may not be here when the Patriots pick at No. 69. If he is, they should run that pick up to the podium regardless of whether they’ve taken another receiver in the draft.”
Maye was a Pro Bowler in year one despite lacking elite talent around him. He McMillan and Noel could form an elite trio for Mike Vrabel as he looks to lead the Patriots to the playoffs in Maye’s second season.
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