4 wide receivers the Patriots could target in the second round

De facto general manager Eliot Wolf recognized the need for a speedy, versatile receiver during the Patriots’ pre-draft press conference last Thursday.

“Do we have players who, on a 3×1 alignment, can beat the back coverage every time? I’m not sure we have it yet,” Wolf said.

And the experts agree, even though New England has plenty of depth at the position, none of their receivers are WR1s.

“Assuming we don’t trade for Brandon Aiyuk or Tee Higgins, we start the year with Osborne, (Kendrick) Bourne, (Demario) Douglas, (Jalen) Reagor, JuJu (Smith-Schuster),” Mina Kimes d ‘ESPN. said on the “Patriots Daily” podcast.

If this broad group of players doesn’t inspire much confidence, fear not. Here are four receivers the Patriots could target in the second round, where they hold the 34th overall pick.

Ladd McConkey

If McConkey is still available when the Patriots are on the clock at No. 34, it might be wise to pick him up. Universally known as one of the best route runners in the 2024 draft class, this Georgia player creates separation with his impressive acceleration and speed.

“McConkey is a sick route runner with excellent speed (4.39 per 40) to run jets in the open field. He constantly forces defensive backs on their heels and is always open,” wrote ESPN insider Field Yates.

Accounting for 30 catches in nine games last season, the 22-year-old’s lower production can be attributed to Georgia’s run-heavy offense, as well as the fact that McConkey is the No. 2 target behind Brock Bowers.

He has quick reflexes and “crafty” hands according to Dane Brugler, NFL draft expert for The Athletic. Brugler also revealed that scouts called McConkey a “confidence booster” for the Georgia offense because of the quarterbacks’ deep trust in him.

Troy Franklin

The Oregon product is also another option that could land in the first round, but should be considered to be the Patriots’ second-round pick if it falls to Oregon.

“He’s tricky for me because he brings something that we really need – speed and separation – and he’s really good at it. I think size is a big concern of his, but I think there’s so much recent precedent of lighter receivers having success in the NFL,” Kimes said of the 21-year-old from Oregon. .

While Patriots fans may be hesitant to jump into what Kimes calls “the Tyquan Thornton experiment,” he’s an underrated player with a high ceiling.

“It can be an important weapon (before and after capture), due to its linear contraction and gliding acceleration,” Brugler wrote.

Franklin led the Pac-12 in receiving touchdowns in 2023, totaling 14 on 81 receptions and 1,383 rushing yards.

Xavier Legette

South Carolina’s Legette might be an underrated player with a ceiling that’s only growing, if some draft evaluators are to be believed.

Playing five seasons at South Carolina, Legette recorded just 42 catches in his first four years. In 2023 however, the 23-year-old has 71 catches for 1,255 yards and seven touchdowns.

“Legette has some of the best run-after-catch skills in the class,” Yates said.

His size – 6-foot-3, 221 pounds – combined with his speed, draws comparisons to a young DJ Metcalf. And while Brugler stressed he needs to work on his pace and route control, he could be an ideal fit for New England.

Ricky Pearsall

Pearsall hasn’t made as much of a splash as other receivers in the 2024 draft class, although he possesses elite talent and has logged some important plays. But more than anything, Pearsall is reliable.

At the combine, Pearsall recorded a 4.41 in the 40-yard dash and showed off his excellent change of direction skills. With a knack for tracking the ball and finding open zones, he could be a good duo even with a rookie QB.

“The kid has heart,” one NFL scout said, according to Brugler. “His daddy was a badass (expletive) catcher, with sticky hands and the apple didn’t fall far.”