Patriots Draft Preview: Lots Of Ways To Acquire WRs

A lot of the wide receiver conversations around the New England Patriots 100% revolve around AJ Brown and a potential trade with the Philadelphia Eagles. Well, until that happens, Brown remains in the NFC East and the Patriots continue to look inward at the wideout spot on their roster.

Stefon Diggs, last season's leading pass catcher and pseudo-captain, is no longer on the team after being released this past offseason. Romeo Doubs was signed to a four-year deal in free agency, essentially replacing Diggs on the depth chart. But the team, while still young, has several guys set to hit the open market in 2027 -- forcing New England's hand when it comes to drafting someone.

Here's the third installment of the Patriots On SI Positional Draft Preview, where we examine the wide receiver position heading into the 2026 NFL Draft, and how the Patriots may decide to add to the room come April.

Current Depth Chart:

Doubs is set to be the Patriots' top weapon (barring a Brown trade that feasibly wouldn't even happen until June 1 anyway). Right behind him are Kayshon Boutte, DeMario Douglas and Mack Hollins, all weapons in their own way, but all in contract years.

Boutte is an easy extension candidate after putting together a career-year in the deep ball department, while Hollins is coming off a ruptured spleen and a strong Super Bowl performance. Douglas, when involved, is a fantastic slot receiver, but has been phased out of the passing attack at times during his career.

Kyle Williams and Efton Chism -- the two rookies from a year ago who contributed in bursts -- have opportunities to carve out a large role in New England's offense. So do Jeremiah Webb and John Jiles, who both spent last season on the practice squad and signed futures deals to return.

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs (87) pulls down a long reception in the fourth quarter against the Chicago Bears during their wild-card playoff football game Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois. | Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Top Prospects:

The Patriots' plan to bring in a new receiver in the draft can totally be dictated by how they hope to approach a potential trade deal with the Eagles. If they don't decide to send draft picks for Brown, the Patriots can feel compelled to spend a higher priority on a receiver. Look at Texas A&M's KC Concepcion or Arizona State's Jordyn Tyson, two premier route runners who could go as early as 20th overall or could fall into New England's lap at No. 31.

But will the team's first round pick really be a wide receiver, even considering the Patriots' historic struggles with the position at that spot in recent seasons?

If they do trade for Brown, or at least hope to pursue it in a more aggressive manner, waiting for a wideout may be the move. Chris Brazzell II from Tennessee has been a popular mock draft pick in the second round, while NDSU's Bryce Lance, brothers with quarterback Trey, could go in the third round.

Oct 18, 2025; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils wide receiver Jordyn Tyson (0) against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Later round options could be more intriguing, with several prospects who have varying skillsets. De'Zhaun Stribling (Ole Miss) is a solid jump ball winner, while Skyler Bell (UConn) is a shifty route runner from the slot. Iowa's Kaden Wetjen -- who looked up to Patriots Hall of Famer Julian Edelman growing up -- could help his stock in the return game as well.

Final Pick Prediction:

It still feels like Brown will be a Patriot, and it's starting to trend that New England's need for a new wideout won't be solved through the draft. They'll bring in one or two more, perhaps Wetjen in the seventh round as a perfect fit for a Josh McDaniels offense, while they hope to bring in Brown two months later.

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