The Patriots have chosen their path with the quarterback position, and it's unclear how quickly Drake Maye progresses in training camp and into the NFL season. Credit goes to the Pats' scouting director Eliot Wolf and coach Jerod Mayo for trying to get Maye some weapons. They initially tried to sign Calvin Ridley in free agency, and they also picked Ja’Lynn Polk and Javon Baker in the draft.
There might be another receiver added to the mix, if the Patriots attempt to get Tee Higgins or another unhappy receiver from their current teams through a trade. The Patriots still need to spend a lot of money to meet the NFL’s salary floor, and a receiver trade could help with that.
More likely, the Patriots will start 2024 with a strong receiving group that lacks a clear No. 1 star. While getting a QB1 was the priority last week, in the 2025 draft, getting a WR1 is expected to be the goal. (Maybe left tackle too, but receivers are more exciting.)
According to NBC Sports, the Patriots are expected to target the top wide receiver in the 2025 class, Luther Burden III of Missouri, who has been compared to Deebo Samuel, Ja’Marr Chase, and Marvin Harrison Jr.
Luther Burden III is projected to be a top prospect in 2025
NBC Sports predicts that Burden will be picked by the Patriots in 2025 with the No. 3 pick, and hopes they don't pick No. 3 again.
“The new Pats will address their struggling offense and try to return to their successful days of 2008. Burden posted impressive stats in the SEC last season. His PFF deep grade is almost perfect, with a 52% overall deep catch rate and 7-of-11 contested deep targets caught.
“While New England will see how Ja’Lynn Polk and Javon Baker perform, they look to Burden to be a versatile weapon like Deebo Samuel, who can make big plays from any part of the field.”
The lack of a deep threat is a big weakness for the Patriots, but Burden, who ran a 4.41 40-yard dash and was a five-star recruit, would solve that problem.
The Patriots' wide receiver group is still uncertain
If Polk and Baker prove themselves, along with veteran Kendrick Bourne, and signee KJ Osborn may be a solid No. 2-3 receiver duo, and last year’s fast rookie, Pop Douglas, in the slot, the Patriots' receiving unit should be significantly better. But they still need a standout player, and Burden is the top choice.
draft expert Matt Miller picked Burden as the player he is most looking forward to watching this year. Wrote Miller: “The dynamic wide receiver might start the year as my number one overall prospect after an 86-reception 2023 season with 1,212 yards and nine touchdowns. Burden has exceptional speed and moves in open space and demonstrated his abilities as a versatile receiver last season. I am eager to analyze his route running and delve into his positional intricacies further, but my initial assessment gave him a rating that could make him a potential top-five selection.”
Patriots wide receivers are lacking a true WR1, but one mock draft has them landing top prospect Luther Burden III.
