The New England Patriots were defeated 20-17 by the Tennessee Titans in an overtime thriller on Sunday. It was possibly the best-case scenario for the future of the organization. Rookie quarterback Drake Maye displayed franchise player qualities and the Patriots moved up to No. 1 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft order with the loss.
Wide receiver continues to be a massive need to help accelerate Maye's development. Kendrick Bourne was the team's best receiver on Sunday, recording just four receptions for 41 yards. Rookie Ja'Lynn Polk was held catch-less and continues to struggle. The pass-catching corps is not NFL quality.
The Patriots desperately need to add receivers via the 2025 NFL Draft. We've identified three potential targets on all three days of April's festivities.
Day 1: Travis Hunter, Colorado
The Patriots will have an interesting decision to make if they actually clinch the top overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft. Colorado wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter is the best prospect in the draft and would address a position of need while also providing the Patriots with the type of legitimate superstar the roster currently lacks. But a receiver hasn't gone No. 1 overall since 1996 (Keyshawn Johnson).
The front office would probably prefer to select a blindside protector for Maye, but this class lacks an offensive tackle worth taking that high. Could the Patriots potentially trade down, accumulate additional selections, and still land Hunter? They shouldn't overcomplicate the situation. Hunter is an elite prospect with rare athleticism and playmaking tendencies.
Day 2: Tre Harris, Ole Miss
The Patriots need to acquire multiple wide receivers this offseason, but a big-bodied dominant "X" wideout should sit atop the wishlist. Ole Miss' Tre Harris is a 6-foot-3, 210-pound senior who has elevated his pre-draft stock this season. Harris has already recorded 59 receptions for 987 receiving yards and six touchdowns in seven appearances this year.
The No. 68 overall player in our latest Draft Network 100 prospect rankings, Harris is now firmly in the second-round conversation. Harris successfully utilizes his frame to physically dominate defenders at the catch point. His catch radius and length make him a difficult assignment in single-man coverage. Maye would appreciate having a contested-catch winner at his disposal.
Day 3: Jayden Higgins, Iowa State
A similar receiver that should be available between the fourth and fifth rounds is Iowa State's Jayden Higgins. Higgins just enjoyed his best performance of the season in Saturday's 23-22 defeat to Texas Tech. The South Miami native accumulated 10 receptions for 140 receiving yards and a touchdown. A legitimate red-zone threat, he's now scored seven touchdowns in eight contests.
Higgins is another big-framed wideout. An extremely fluid mover for 6-foot-4 and 215 pounds, Higgins instills fear in opposing cornerbacks with expert route-running ability that features burst and tempo. Long-speed questions are present, which could push him further down boards on draft weekend. The Patriots will select a receiver before day three, and doubling down with a prospect like Higgins could accelerate the rebuild.
