The Patriots need receiver help, many will say the need a number one. Either they need a freak athlete on the outside or they need an agile slot that gan get seperation and play like Edelman. If one looks at the history going back as far as Philip Dorsett and Brandon Cooks, the Patriots do not know what to do with speed on the outside. And they dropped the ball by passing on Jerreth Sterns. So what names are out there? Who's being mocked to the Patriots. That's what we're going to look at in no special order.
1) Jordan Addison, USC, 6'0" 175 pounds
Kyle Crabbs Said, "Expectations for Addison should be that of an immediate impact player. He may not be a viable WR1 from the jump as a rookie, but he is a player primed to make an impact and he brings ample translatable traits. I would expect Addison to be one of the rookie receivers in 2023 who continues the recent trend of impact rookies in NFL passing offenses."
Derrick Bell said, "Even if some of it was schemed up, Addison's elite production throughout his college career speaks for itself and the tape shows multiple translatable traits that should make him an incredibly useful asset at the next level. With added play strength and continued growth against press coverage on the outside, Addison could unlock his true inside-outside versatility and help him reach his ceiling as a player."
2) Marvin Mims, Oklahoma, 5'11" 180 pounds
Joe Marino said, "Mims has the makings of a dynamic WR2/3 at the next level that provides field-stretching ability to his offense in addition to having a dangerous yards-after-catch skill. Perhaps he won’t be an extremely high-volume target but his skill set improves the offensive spacing with his athleticism and ability to win at every level of the field.
Matthew Jones said, "Very flexible receiver who has been able to get open at the college level because of his excellent combination of speed, quickness, and explosiveness, but will need to continue to add functional strength and polish his route-running at the next level. That said, shows enough intriguing traits to draw interest on the second day as a slot option who can threaten downfield or rack up yards after the catch on underneath throws."
3) A.T. Perry, Wake Forest, 6'5" 215 pounds
Matthew Jones said, "A productive two-year starter who plays with the attention to detail and craftiness teams look for and who has the size to win over the top and the ability to challenge defenses downfield by winning at the line with his release and stacking opposing defenders, but who will need to continue adding functional strength and show more nastiness in his game as a blocker upon reaching the next level."
Damian Parson said, "Overall, Perry projects best as a possession receiver. Perry can align outside, in the slot, and in bunch/stacked set. There is potential for him to be a reliable 50/50 contested-catch receiver. I envision him being a WR4 on a depth chart early in his career with the chance to work his way up."
4) Jaxon Smith, Ohio State, 6'0" 200 pounds
Joe Marino said, "Because he wasn’t available, 2022 was a lost year to evaluate Smith-Njigba’s development and questions were left unanswered. Smith-Njigba has the makings of a productive NFL starter but he isn’t striking when the iron is hot when it comes to his last year in college going into the NFL. "
Nicholas Martin said, "Even though much of his production was only generated through the slot, Smith-Njigba's traits and what he offers in the slot is very hard to find outside of day two of the draft. Depending on how a team values the slot and what their skill position talent is looking like, it would be very hard to pass on a player of this caliber. "
5) Quentin Johnston, TCU, 6'4" 215 pounds
Ian Cummings said, "With his all-encompassing talent, Johnston can be a versatile, dynamic catalyst for an NFL offense — a true centerpiece with the potential to be a game-changing force. This is the kind of talent that’s reserved for early Round 1, and it’s what could elevate Johnston to new heights in April."
Derrick Bell said, "While he provides clear day-one value as a field stretcher and explosive playmaker, NFL teams will be banking on his traits and work ethic leading to a more consistent, well-rounded player later in his career."
6) Ainias Smith, Texas A&M, 5'10" 190 pounds
Draft Bible said, "One of college football’s most exciting and versatile players, Ainias Smith can be an early-round pick at receiver or running back; he is an advanced route runner with special ability after the catch."
John Vogel said, "Smith has had a very successful career for the Aggies and I think that can easily translate to the NFL if he plays to his strengths. The skills that I think will translate the best are his athleticism and elusiveness. This will translate well to the NFL because you cannot really teach athleticism and elusiveness, you can only improve upon it. "
7) Jonathan Mingo, Ole Miss, 6'2" 225 pounds
Keith Sanchez said, "Overall, Mingo’s run-after-the-catch ability and dense frame make him an intriguing wide receiver prospect. In the right offense that uses quick screens and jet motions for their receivers, Mingo has the ability to be a highly productive player on the next level."
Matthew Jones said, "A classic “boom-or-bust” receiver prospect who flashed the ability to run past defenders on deep posts and was always a threat to take a screen to the house, but whose college tape was inconsistent from game to game and who is going to have to become much more of a technician at the line of scrimmage and at the route stem, and significantly diversify his route tree in order to reach his potential, which is considerable."
8) Zae Flowers, Boston College, 5'10" 175 pounds
Damian Parson said, "Projecting to the next level, Flowers’ lack of height and weight are a concern. As a result, some teams may view him as a slot-only receiver. His overall skill set and package are enticing. Flowers’ versatility will make it easier for coordinators to dial his number and get the football in his hands. The plan a team has for him in year one should revolve around pre-snap motion, manufactured touches in space, and quick-hitting routes with run-after-catch opportunities. After a few seasons in the league, Flowers could develop into an impactful and dynamic chain-mover for his offense."
Matthew Jones said, "A savvy, productive slot receiver who combines the speed, quickness, acceleration, and attention to detail to produce at the next level, as long as teams feel comfortable with how a player with such a thin frame will hold up against the physicality of the pro game, whether in terms of releasing at the line of scrimmage, staying on track when running routes, or holding up after contact. Of the receivers in this year’s class, is one of the prospects furthest along in his development, which should allow him to make a relatively early impact."
9) Tre Tucker, Cincinnati, 5'10" 175 pounds
Draft Bible said, "Tucker is an undersized slot receiver with exceptional acceleration and speed who should at least earn a prominent role on special teams as a rookie."
Joe Marino said, "When it comes to concerns, Tucker lacks ideal height and mass. He won’t be confused as a guy that offers a large catch radius given his modest wingspan and overall stature. While I like his release package and play strength for his size, Tucker inevitably projects to function primarily in the slot at the next level as was the case at Cincinnati. Tucker has the makings of a featured slot receiver in the NFL that makes his offense faster and more dynamic."
10) Charlie Jones, Purdue,6'0" 190 pounds
Damian Parson said, "Projecting to the NFL, a team will be receiving a tough and hardworking player. Jones has offensive and special teams value. He enters as a depth/back-up receiver and punt/kick returner early in his career. He predominately aligned as an outside receiver this season. His pre-draft process, starting at the Senior Bowl and testing at the NFL Scouting Combine, will be critical for his draft stock. There is a path for him to carve out a role on offense. "
Matthew Jones said, "It sure took a while, but eventually established himself as a legitimate prospect with a highly productive senior season in which he did a little bit of everything from the right side of Purdue’s offense. One of the most pro-ready receivers in the class and someone who has very few holes to his game; if teams don’t mind his advanced age, looks like a good plug-and-play receiver who should provide his quarterback with a reliable target sooner rather than later as a pro."
11) Kayshon Boutte, LSU, 6'0" 185 pounds
Keith Sanchez said, "Boutte’s traits to be a vertical threat and a viable run-after-catch option are easily translatable to the NFL. But for Boutte to reach his upside as a receiver prospect who can be a true No. 1 in the NFL, he will need to focus on the details of playing the receiver position and execute consistently."
Matthew Jones said, "A well-built receiver who can be dangerous with the ball in his hands and some room to work with but who lacks the polish and technique typical for a top prospect at the position. Could be a weapon if he commits himself to running routes with more snap/hip sink, but at the moment looks like he might struggle to get separation from pro cornerbacks, with a steeper learning curve than average because of the limited offense he played in at LSU."
12) Ronnie Bell, Michigan, 6'0" 195 pounds
Damian Parson said, "Bell projects as a No. 3 wide receiver and return specialist early in his career. His ability to get open and work from multiple alignments creates a fluid NFL offensive fit. He can become a movement piece for a passing game in 11-personnel (3WR) packages. There is developmental upside for Bell to become the second wide receiver behind an established No. 1 option. Bell’s return prowess will allow him to make an impact for a team while he finds his place within the offensive system."
Jimmy Williams said, "Has the ability to play at the next level as a possession type WR, as a below average size X, Z, or F. Can be a productive WR in an offense that accentuates his style of play at the next level. Coming off an ACL tear a year previously, he needs to improve physical body strength especially in the lower body for durability of a long, physical professional football season. Displays quality production with an upside for improvement of stemming, route running, and play side blocking. Has technical sound WR qualities."
13) Rakim Jarrett, Maryland, 6'0" 200 pounds
Matthew Jones said, "A very tough, competitive receiver who was able to do a little bit of everything in school, running a variety of different routes to different levels of the field, lining up in the slot and outside and often bailing out his quarterback with incredible adjustments to throws well away from his frame. Didn’t really have the season he was hoping for this year and may not be the fastest or most flexible receiver in the class, but his overall versatility could allow him to contribute relatively soon at the pro level and could provide a nice safety blanket for a quarterback whose ball placement leaves something to be desired."
Keith Sanchez said, "Overall, Jarrett is a versatile receiver prospect that has a nuanced understanding of the receiver position and should thrive in an offense that likes to take advantage of the middle of the field with slot receivers that rely on their IQ."
14) Keilahn Harris, Oklahoma Baptist University, 6'0" 180 pounds
Emory Hunt said, "The term "fluidity" aptly describes Harris. OBU loves to get the football in his hands -- in any way possible. In addition to his excellent receiving skills, he's also a really strong kickoff returner. I am a big fan of his in-game confidence, and you can see this with every route run, every reception, and with the ball in his hands."
15) David Durden, West Florida, 6'2" 200 pounds
Tony Pauline said, "Durden’s an intelligent pass catcher who shows good route discipline and tracks the pass in the air, then adjusts backward to make the catch in stride. He’s a tremendous vertical threat, as his numbers prove, but he also shows a lot of ability catching underneath routes."
16) Andrei Iosivas, Princeton, 6'4" 200 pounds
Draft Network said, "The only deficiencies I can find in his game is a little stiffness in his bend at the top of his stick and comeback routes. I’d also like to see him be a more competitive and physical blocker on the perimeter."
Alex Katson said, "Whether you want to manufacture touches for Iosivas at the line, hit him on crossing routes over the middle, or hit the deep shot, the senior has shown he can win at every level – albeit against Ivy League competition. As of right now, I’d expect him to be a Day 2 pick..."
17) Avante Cox, Southern Illinois, 5'9" 175 pounds
Tony Pauline said, "Small, super-quick receiver who can also help out as a return specialist. Quickly gets into pass routes, separates from defenders, and creates yardage whenever the ball is in his hands. Tracks the pass in the air, times receptions well, and adjusts to make the catch in stride. Follows blocks everywhere on the field."
18) Chris Coleman, California Polytechnic State, 5'11" 190 pounds
Two way player corner and wideout. Played mostly as a receiver but started five games at corner in 2019.
19) Ty Scott, MISSOURI State, 6'3" 205 pounds
NFLPA Colgate Bowl said, "At 6-3, 200-pounds and with very long arms for his frame, Scott possesses the size and length NFL evaluators look for in outside receivers and displays the soft hands and ball skills needed to win in contested environments."
20) Jalin Hyatt, Tennessee, 6'0" 175 pounds
Joe Marino said, "Hyatt has the makings of an impact weapon at the next level that is a math-changer for his offense given the attention his skill set demands and how it can impact spacing. While he may not project as a high-volume No. 1 target, he should be a dynamic No. 2 that makes the No. 1 even better. "
James Fragoza said, "An outside Z receiver who can stretch the field and take pressure off the No. 1. The NFL loves speed; just look at Hyatt’s former teammate Velus Jones Jr., who was selected in Round 3 at 25 years old last year. That’s a relatively safe floor for Hyatt’s profile."
21) Zakhari Franklin, UTSA, 6'1" 185 pounds
Draft Network said, "He plays much bigger than his listed size and understands how to position his body between the defender and the ball. He is fearless on throws over the middle of the field and he is excellent with the ball in his hands, showing an ability to make defenders miss and break tackles. He’s an uber-productive receiver with very good playmaking ability."
Matthew Jones said, "A quick, elusive, and technically-savvy route-runner who knows how to release and create separation at the stem on intermediate throws, he is more polished than many receivers from major programs but still needs to continue adding functional strength and improve his overall focus in order to make the most of his opportunities when targeted, and may require an accurate quarterback to minimize the adjustments he needs to make. Looks like a mid-round pick with a relatively high floor."
22) Josh Downs, North Carolina, 5'10" 180 pounds
Damian Parson said, "When drafting Downs, you are receiving a dynamic space player with plus-route running. Downs projects best as a slot receiver given a two-way go. He has a play style that fits the chain-mover model. I believe Downs would be a fantastic option/choice route option for an offense. His ceiling may be limited due to his size and frame but the floor is enticing."
Matthew Jones said, "A pretty savvy route-runner who shows the quickness and attention to detail to create separation and who isn’t purely an underneath target, showing the ability to stack or freeze defenders on deeper patterns from the slot. Has the look of a player who should be able to contribute from the slot sooner rather than later, although he may struggle to deal with the physicality of the pro game, at least initially."
23) Rashee Rice, SMU, 6'3" 210 pounds
Joe Marino said, "In year one, Rice’s versatility and appeal to all levels of the field should give him the opportunity to be a top-four option for an NFL offense. By year three, Rice has the makings of an impact starter that is a featured component of his offense."
Ian Cummings said, "Looking at the sum of the parts, Rice is an early-round WR prospect — a safe bet to go top 75 and a potential first-round sleeper if his high level of play persists. He can win on the boundary as an X, or in the slot as a movement Z, and provides a versatile, dynamic playmaking presence with high-impact potential."
24) Damaris Douglas, Liberty, 5'8" 180 pounds
Draft Bible said, "Douglas has been tasked with a bigger role on his team each year during his college career, and every year he has improved not only from a production standpoint, but as a receiver and overall playmaker as well. Douglas has shown the ability to be a threat as a kick returner and punt returner, scoring 2 punt return touchdowns in 3 years as the team’s primary returner. If all else fails for Douglas at the next level, he will have an impact on special teams with his ability to create plays using his athleticism."
Tony Pauline said, "Douglas is known as a speedster who can score from any point on the field. He also holds a lot of special teams value at the next level. How he measures on the scale will be important as the wideout is listed as 5-foot-8 and 170 pounds by Liberty."
25) Dallas Daniels, Jackson State, 6'1" 180 pounds
Ian Cummings said, "Even if the Patriots bring back Jakobi Meyers, they shouldn’t settle for what they have at wide receiver. At least one Day 3 pick can be devoted to improving the depth and flexibility of that unit. Hailing from HBCU Jackson State, Dallas Daniels could be a good value addition. At 6’1″, 180, he’s a smooth, twitchy separator with natural catching instincts."
Deion Sanders said, “He’s a pro. I know what it looks like. This kid is a pro, I mean he’s an NFL player”