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After winning their sixth Super Bowl this past season, the New England Patriots have had a busy offseason. They traded for Michael Bennett while losing Trey Flowers and Trent Brown to free agency.
Of course, they also witnessed Rob Gronkowski calling it a career after nine years with the franchise. It goes without saying that the Patriots will likely target pass catchers in this year's draft.
At the beginning of the offseason, New England tried to sign Adam Humphries in free agency to no avail. As a result, Humphries decided to sign with the Tennessee Titans while the Patriots looked onward for receivers.
The Patriots ended up signing Bruce Ellington and Maurice Harris while also re-signing Phillip Dorsett. Although, even with those guys being added, the Patriots should still look into selecting a receiver with their first-round pick.
Here are three reasons why the greatest dynasty in sports should target a wide receiver in the first round of the NFL Draft.
3. Julian Edelman is Getting Older
Julian Edelman has been a staple of the Patriots offense for a few years now. Before that, Edelman made his living by being a talented player on special teams.
The veteran wideout went from being a special teams player to the Super Bowl MVP in Super Bowl 53. His versatility and toughness have made him a very talented receiver in the NFL.
The only thing is, is that Edelman turns 33 this summer and isn't getting younger. In his 10 seasons in the NFL, he has never started in all 16 games due to injury or suspension (suspended for four games in 2018).
The Patriots would be wise to consider drafting his eventual replacement with their 32nd overall pick.
Trading up could be an option as the Patriots boast 12 draft picks in this year's draft.
2. There Are Talented Wide Receivers in This Draft
The 2019 NFL Draft is front-loaded with talented guys at wide receiver. This draft class is headlined by D.K. Metcalf, Marqise Brown, Hakeem Butler, N'Keal Harry, and A.J. Brown.
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All of these guys could possibly go in the first two rounds and the Patriots would be remiss to select one of these guys in this draft. Although, it's hard to question anything that New England does this point.
It seems like the Patriots are always one step ahead of everyone else and continue to show that in the playoffs. Adding one of these wideouts would make their offense even more dangerous.
Imagine Tom Brady throwing to Metcalf on a fade or throwing a deep ball to Marquise Brown.
AFC East head coaches get goosebumps thinking about it.
1. The Departure of Gronk Leaves a Void
The retirement of Gronk leaves a huge hole in the Patriots offense. Gronk was always a mismatch for an opposing defense and even when he wasn't targeted he was still a threat.
Defenses would gameplan to try their best at nullifying Gronk but many failed to succeed. He was one of the best tight ends ever and he was probably the best overall tight end in his prime.
As a result, the Patriots will need to add a weapon to their offense to make up for Gronk's absence. That could be done with New England selecting a wide receiver with their first-round selection.
They could also go with a tight end in the first round like Noah Fant. Fant wouldn't be a bad replacement for Gronk as he was a touchdown machine at Iowa.
Regardless, the Patriots should shift their focus on drafting a receiver or pass catcher with their first-round pick.
