With the end of 2024 NFL Season rapidly approaching, the New England Patriots will most likely find themselves with another top five pick in the draft.
New England is in dire need for a true wide receiver 1. They have missed out on a lot of big names that have been traded this year from Davante Adams to Deandre Hopkins.
Realistically, the Patriots haven’t had a legitimate top receiver since Julian Edelman. They tried to find their next top target in Devante Parker and Juju Smith-Schuster but neither one could fill that role in New England.
Currently being projected as having a top five pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, there are multiple star receivers that the Patriots should consider taking with their first round pick.
Travis Hunter- Colorado
The most recent Heisman Trophy winner will likely be one of the top selections in this year’s draft. Although he is known for playing both wide receiver and cornerback, New England could draft Hunter and have him be a full time receiver.
Hunter has proven himself as a star receiver during his time at Colorado, winning the 2024 Fred Biletnikoff Award, given to the best college wide receiver in the country. He finished this season with 1512 receiving yards on 92 receptions. Hunter also found the endzone 14 times.
Tetairoa McMillan- Arizona
Considered to be another top tier receiver in this upcoming draft, McMillan has put together back to back 1000 receiving yard seasons. This season he pulled in 84 catches for 1319 yards along with eight touchdowns.
Over the past two seasons, McMillan has combined for 174 receptions, 2721 receiving yards, and 18 touchdowns.
Luther Burden III- Missouri
Burden III is another receiver that New England could target depending on their draft position. He has had back to back productive seasons with the Missouri Tigers posting a combined 147 catches, 1888 receiving yards, and 15 touchdowns.
Even though his 2024 season wasn’t as productive as his 2023 campaign, Burden III is still a top receiver prospect that could instantly boost New England’s offense.
Any one of these wide receivers would not only have an immediate impact on the Patriots’ offensive production but it would also take some weight off of Drake Maye’s shoulders.
