The New England Patriots missed the playoffs last season after years of being accustomed to competing for the Super Bowl. Cam Newton replaced Tom Brady as the starting quarterback and while he had his moments of stardom, he left a lot to be desired. Now, the team has been spending big money in free agency and will focus on adding more young talent in the upcoming 2021 NFL Draft.
In free agency, the team went out and splurged on the offensive side of the ball with the signings of tight ends Jonnu Smith and Hunter Henry, while also adding free agent wideout Nelson Agholor. They made a big-time addition to the defensive side of the ball with pass-rusher Matthew Judon.
Looking ahead to the upcoming NFL Draft, the Patriots have some more holes they could focus on filling. One could be targeting a young wide receiver. N'Keal Harry has not panned out at all after being drafted in the first round at No. 32 overall in the 2019 NFL Draft. The Patriots could clearly use some young blood at the position.
Thankfully, this draft class is filled with a ton of wide receiver talent. Whether New England tries to get one in the first round, second round, or third round, they should be able to find a player capable of coming in and making a major impact right away.
With all of that being said, let's take a look at three wide receivers the Patriots could and should target in the NFL Draft this year.
3. Rondale Moore, Purdue
First up on the list we'll take a look at Purdue Boilermakers star wideout Rondale Moore. After a superstar-caliber freshman season, Moore went relatively quiet over his last two years in college. He struggled with some injury issues and then decided to sit out in 2020 due to COVID-19.
New England could take a look at adding him to their wide receiver room. Moore comes with the ability to play at an elite level in the slot and he has massive playmaking ability as well. That skill-set would fit nicely alongside Newton, who desperately needed more playmakers last season in his first year with the franchise.
Moore is expected to be drafted in the second or third round of the upcoming draft, although the second round seems more likely. If he's available for the Patriots in the latter stages of the second round, they should strongly consider making a move for him.
2. Amon-Ra St. Brown, USC
Next, we have a very underrated star wideout from USC in Amon-Ra St. Brown. His brother, Equanimeous St. Brown, is currently a wide receiver for the Green Bay Packers. St. Brown has the potential to be a very good NFL wideout.
During his three-year career with the Trojans, St. Brown racked up 178 receptions for 2,270 yards and 16 touchdowns. He may not be the fastest wide receiver in this NFL Draft class, but he has good athleticism and size. St. Brown could end up developing into a borderline No. 1 wideout, but at least an above average No. 2 wide receiver.
St. Brown is projected to be drafted between the third and fifth rounds. If the Patriots haven't gotten a wide receiver by that point, taking a long look at St. Brown would be a wise decision.
1. Kadarius Toney, Florida
Finally, we're going to take a look at the best wide receiver that the Patriots could target for their offensive system. Kadarius Toney has been rising up draft boards quickly throughout the NFL Draft process and is expected to be a mid-first round pick. New England could very well end up taking him at No. 15 overall if they stay there and don't make a trade.
Toney is the definition of fast and would be a deep threat and top-notch slot wideout for the Patriots. After losing Julian Edelman, Newton could absolutely utilize a player with Toney's skill-set.
He racked up 70 receptions for 984 yards and 10 touchdowns during the 2020 season with the Gators. Toney could become a top target in the future and the Patriots should consider him in the first round. There is no question he could come in and play a big role immediately and would be well worth the selection for Bill Belichick and company.
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