Wide Receiver

[mgteich]

I'm fine with trying to trade for a relatively young #1 WR. He would be part of the 2026 divisional run. That trade could come anytime this year. However, it seems more likely that we will sign a WR or two in the next off-season.
========
WR IN THE DRAFT
I suspect that this is a low priority. Obviously, we'll take the usual late round flyers to try to get another Douglas or even Boutte.

However, leaving the #1 WR spot open for the trade this year or next offseason. We have
DOUGLAS
BOURNE
OSBORNE (FA in 2025)
SHUSTER (can easily be cut in 2025; more likely is that he significantly improves if he is healthy)
REAGOR (re-signed FA in 2025) (could stick because he is a returner, a good trait for a #5 WR)
THORNTON (this is his show-me year)
BOUTTE (probably not on the 53, but certainly Practice Squad material)

So, that's 7 plus the top WR that we will have for 2025. I don't see us using even a 4th on a WR.

 

[BTTA]

Letting go of WR as a requirement certainly simplifies the draft. QB, OT, BPA rest of the way.

 

[Wozzy]

They could draft a WR in the third, fourth or fifth round this 2024 draft and he could become their #1 WR... whatever that is.

Stefon Diggs and Tyreek Hill were 5th round picks, weapons can be found in every round.

 

[50-yard-line]

I'm fine with trying to trade for a relatively young #1 WR. He would be part of the 2026 divisional run. That trade could come anytime this year. However, it seems more likely that we will sign a WR or two in the next off-season.
========
WR IN THE DRAFT
I suspect that this is a low priority. Obviously, we'll take the usual late round flyers to try to get another Douglas or even Boutte.

However, leaving the #1 WR spot open for the trade this year or next offseason. We have
DOUGLASS
BOURNE
OSBORNE (FA in 2025)
SHUSTER (can easily be cut in 2025; more likely is that he significantly improves if he is healthy)
REAGOR (re-signed FA in 2025) (could stick because he is a returner, a good trait for a #5 WR)
THORNTON (this is his show-me year)
BOUTTE (probably not on the 53, but certainly Practice Squad material)

So, that's 7 plus the top WR that we will have for 2025. I don't see us using even a 4th on a WR.

Unless they trade around and can get a true blue-chip prospect, I suspect you're right. I do think if you put a true #1, or even a Higgins or Ayuk (whom I consider to be 1b's) on top of that list, it suddenly looks like a very good group.

Also, I've given up on Thornton, but I still am not sleeping on Boutte. He needs reps, lots of them, and while I agree that right now he's behind the guys you mention, he plays fast and there's something about the way he catches without slowing, already shifting to the best seam before him that I don't see in a lot of players. I don't think he's nearly reached what he could be...but will he ever?

(In Thornton's defense, I should add that the Pats running him on short crosses over the middle or bubble screen in LB territory seemed counterproductive with a guy who can crawl under a closed door in a n old house.)

 

[doesntmatter1]

I like Bourne and I'm optimistic about KJ, but outside of that I am not impressed with anyone. Juju is poopoo and Douglas doesn't quite do it for me. Someone like MHJ or Nabers is extremely tempting. I felt someone like Darnell Mooney would have fit well here but that nor any major moves have happened. I'm glad we retained Bourne and Henry but it wasn't really exciting.

Any new wr felt like a waste of time but we don't know what to expect from this new coaching staff. I'm genuinely excited for draft day. Maybe we shock the world and draft defense with our first pick lol.

 

[mgteich]

I like Bourne and I'm optimistic about KJ, but outside of that I am not impressed with anyone. Juju is poopoo and Douglas doesn't quite do it for me. Someone like MHJ or Nabers is extremely tempting. I felt someone like Darnell Mooney would have fit well here but that nor any major moves have happened. I'm glad we retained Bourne and Henry but it wasn't really exciting.

Any new wr felt like a waste of time but we don't know what to expect from this new coaching staff. I'm genuinely excited for draft day. Maybe we shock the world and draft defense with our first pick lol.

More likely is that we draft 2 or 3 defensive players in the early rounds pi$$ing off lots of posters. I could certainly see us drafting the BPA after the first two picks (QB and LT).

 

[jmt57]

More likely is that we draft 2 or 3 defensive players in the early rounds pi$$ing off lots of posters. I could certainly see us drafting the BPA after the first two picks (QB and LT).

Yes, passing on a WR for defensive players will indeed upset many fans and give sports talk radio an excuse for angry rants.

However, from what my amateur eyes see there are several very good defensive players that should be available at DT, Edge and CB in rounds 3-4-5. Maybe a FS late also.

 

[jmt57]

On the other hand this draft appears to be extremely deep at WR.
As Wozzy pointed out above, gems have been discovered in latter rounds in the recent past.


Potential 3rd round WR prospects (some will be gone by #68):
Ja'Lyn Polk, Washington
Jermaine Burton, Alabama
Jalen McMillan, Washington
Javon Baker, UCF
Malik Washington, Virginia
Brenden Rice, USC
Johnny Wilson, Florida State

Potential 4th-5th round WR prospects:
Jamari Thrash, Louisville
Luke McCaffrey, Rice
Jacob Cowing, Arizona
Ainias Smith, Texas A&M
Cornelius Johnson, Michigan
Tahj Washington, USC
Marcus Rosemary-Jacksaint, Georgia

Potential 6th-7th round WR prospects:
Ryan Flournoy, SE Missouri State
Isaiah Williams, Illinois
Bub Means, Pitt
Anthony Gould, Oregon State
Jalen Coker, Holy Cross

 

[captain stone]

I'm fine with trying to trade for a relatively young #1 WR. He would be part of the 2026 divisional run. That trade could come anytime this year. However, it seems more likely that we will sign a WR or two in the next off-season.
========
WR IN THE DRAFT
I suspect that this is a low priority. Obviously, we'll take the usual late round flyers to try to get another Douglas or even Boutte.

However, leaving the #1 WR spot open for the trade this year or next offseason. We have
DOUGLAS
BOURNE
OSBORNE (FA in 2025)
SHUSTER (can easily be cut in 2025; more likely is that he significantly improves if he is healthy)
REAGOR (re-signed FA in 2025) (could stick because he is a returner, a good trait for a #5 WR)
THORNTON (this is his show-me year)
BOUTTE (probably not on the 53, but certainly Practice Squad material)

So, that's 7 plus the top WR that we will have for 2025. I don't see us using even a 4th on a WR.

Sorry not sorry, but that list sucks.

WR should be no lower than 5th on the Pats draft priority list, behind only QB, LT, FS & Outside CB. No Front-7 or G/Cs need apply.

 

[signbabybrady]

My preference in the Draft is Q 1 and LT 2

After that hard to know what will be in the board in the 3rd. But I'd be happy to go WR.

But who knows maybe all the LTs dry up and then there would still be plenty of good WRs on the board at 34.

Anything can happen.

 

[Wozzy]

Sorry not sorry, but that list sucks.

WR should be no lower than 5th on the Pats draft priority list, behind only QB, LT, FS & Outside CB. No Front-7 or G/Cs need apply.

I’d put WR third.

They should be able to get by at outside CB and potentially FS assuming Gonzo stays healthy, Shaun Wade plays like last season, Isaiah Bolden stays healthy and/or Ameer Speed gives you something. But a later draft pick at CB would be good or signing some value vet out there.

 

[50-yard-line]

I’d put WR third.

They should be able to get by at outside CB and potentially FS assuming Gonzo stays healthy, Shaun Wade plays like last season, Isaiah Bolden stays healthy and/or Ameer Speed gives you something. But a later draft pick at CB would be good or signing some value vet out there.

Ameer Speed is long gone, but Alex Austin will give them something, I expect.

 

[Wozzy]

Ameer Speed is long gone, but Alex Austin will give them something, I expect.

He’s a try hard guy like Myles Bryant or the pinnacle of try hard guys in Malcolm Butler.

He might give you something but seems a longshot or end of roster guy at best.

Could be wrong, I was wrong about Butler as a rookie.

 

[50-yard-line]

He’s a try hard guy like Myles Bryant or the pinnacle of try hard guys in Malcolm Butler.

He might give you something but seems a longshot or end of roster guy at best.

Could be wrong, I was wrong about Butler as a rookie.

Who, Austin? He looked that part in the 5 games last year.

Speed plays for the Colts, by the way.

 

[Wozzy]

Who, Austin? He looked that part in the 5 games last year.

Speed plays for the Colts, by the way.

Yeah, saw that about Speed.

As for Austin, 4.5 speed, decent size, agility, but nothing special. A try hard guy… maybe.

 

[Real fan 02]

Ameer Speed is long gone, but Alex Austin will give them something, I expect.

I have AA at the 2nd CB spot opposite Gonzo to start the season.. I believe the kid is that good.. his instincts is something you can't teach..

 

[hornetfb85]

QB in the first
Best player available out of WR or OT in the 2nd. Then hit the other spot in the 3rd.

 

[Salsalife]

I'm fine with trying to trade for a relatively young #1 WR. He would be part of the 2026 divisional run. That trade could come anytime this year. However, it seems more likely that we will sign a WR or two in the next off-season.
========
WR IN THE DRAFT
I suspect that this is a low priority. Obviously, we'll take the usual late round flyers to try to get another Douglas or even Boutte.

However, leaving the #1 WR spot open for the trade this year or next offseason. We have
DOUGLAS
BOURNE
OSBORNE (FA in 2025)
SHUSTER (can easily be cut in 2025; more likely is that he significantly improves if he is healthy)
REAGOR (re-signed FA in 2025) (could stick because he is a returner, a good trait for a #5 WR)
THORNTON (this is his show-me year)
BOUTTE (probably not on the 53, but certainly Practice Squad material)

So, that's 7 plus the top WR that we will have for 2025. I don't see us using even a 4th on a WR.

 

[Real fan 02]

Yeah, saw that about Speed.

As for Austin, 4.5 speed, decent size, agility, but nothing special. A try hard guy… maybe.

Hmmm.. I believe AA is a player to watch.. I don't believe he's just a " try hard " player.. I believe he has the ability, the size, the athletic ability, instincts to play outside at a high level.. we have a pretty deep group of guys at CB that are young and just need to continue to develop they all got better last season for sure.. they were on the field so much they had to no choice.

 

[Salsalife]

Patriots, for reference only. 13.9 points per game. 197 yards per game of total offense. Throw a 3rd round wr on the wall and hope he sticks strategy. We have 7 #3 Wr 's now, sorry. I don't want a fast reciever, I don't want a tall reciever, I want a Gronk like reciever. We will continue to circle the bottom of the bowl until someone says no more. Big game Brady went to his best 2 receivers and rode them to playoffs and Superbowls. We will not get a FA worth his weight, just went thru it the past 3 yrs. Rinse and repeat I guess is the strategy. I just want winning football and to me we are pushing the cart down the road.