Patriots Mock Draft: New England chooses generational wide receiver

The New England Patriots are undergoing a complete facelift, with a new coaching staff and, in our mock draft, adding one of the best young wide receivers in recent memories.

For the first time in over two decades, the Patriots have an unproven head coach leading the way as Bill Belichick and the team parted ways last season.

At the quarterback position, Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe started multiple games behind center in 2023, and neither inspired much faith in the fan base. At 4-13, New England finished with the third-worst record in the NFL.

The rest of the roster needs upgrades. Very few offensive weapons are under contract, and the once-dominant defense showed cracks last season. Simply put, this is a full-scale rebuild for the Patriots following the departure of Belichick.

Patriots snag Marvin Harrison Jr. in latest mock draft

In today’s seven-round mock draft, the front office holds off on taking a quarterback with the third overall pick. Instead, a superstar wide receiver who fetches the “generational” label from scouts is the selection.

Round 1, Pick 3 — Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State

With Caleb Williams and Drake Maye off the board, the Patriots take the best player available rather than forcing the third quarterback off the board.

Marvin Harrison Jr. is the son of a Hall of Famer and is often touted as a “can’t miss” prospect by NFL Draft analysts. New England needs difference-makers at wideout; MHJ fits the bill.

Round 2, Pick 34 — Patrick Paul, OL, Houston

The Patriots continue building up the roster with premier talent instead of forcing needs. Patrick Paul is an athletic, lanky offensive lineman with All-Pro potential.

Round 3, Pick 68 — Brandon Dorlus, DL, Oregon

On the other side of the trenches, Brandon Dorlus makes his way to New England. The Oregon defender is a stout run stuffer and a proficient pass rusher.

Round 4, Pick 104 — Brenden Rice, WR, USC

If one offspring of an NFL legend is good, wouldn’t two be great? Brenden Rice, the son of Jerry Rice, has the requisite size, speed, and route running to carve out a role on Sundays.

Round 5, Pick 136 — Ben Sinnott, TE, Kansas State

The Patriots utilize the tight end position as much as any franchise, so adding Ben Sinnott on the third day of the NFL Draft is a no-brainer. Sinnott excels as a blocker and has untapped potential as a pass catcher.

Round 6, Pick 182 — Johnny Dixon, DB, Penn State

The Penn State defensive back, Johnny Dixon, can play multiple spots in the secondary for New England. He’s a physical defender who should bolster the team’s porous run defense immediately.

Round 7, Pick 229 — Xavier Thomas, EDGE, Clemson

Finishing up the mock draft is another defender, as Xavier Thomas exchanges his Clemson uniform for some Patriots attire. He is an older prospect with a lengthy injury history, but when healthy, Thomas can contribute.

Check back tomorrow for our seven-round mock draft for the Washington Commanders.