The New England Patriots seemed like a candidate to select a wide receiver at some point during the course of the 2020 NFL Draft. New England's receivers flopped in 2019. Julian Edelman was the only wideout to top 30 receptions and 400 receiving yards, and 2018 first-round pick N'Keal Harry struggled with injuries and ineffectiveness.

However, the Patriots did not select a receiver in the draft, and Belichick is banking on internal improvements from the wideouts on the current roster (via Henry McKenna of USA TODAY):

“I’m sure all our young players will improve in year two. Got a first-round pick on N’Keal last year, second round pick on [Mohamed] Sanu. That was really off this draft,” Belichick said. “Obviously have Julian [Edelman] and a number of other young players. I think that will be a very good group. There’s a lot of different ways and times to build your team. The draft is one of them. As I mentioned, whether it’s Sanu or free agents signing like [Damiere] Byrd, whatever the case might be, there’s multiple ways to build your roster, and this is one of them.”

Belichick and the Patriots focused on drafting defensive talent, which is hardly much of a shock. Belichick also contends the Pats essentially did draft a receiver, given they acquired Sanu from the Atlanta Falcons in exchange for a 2020 second-round pick.

Still, it is a bit of a surprise the Patriots did not use any draft capital on upgrading the receiving corps.

New England is heading into the 2020 campaign with Jarrett Stidham as the projected starter, and Edelman only has two years left on his current deal, with a potential out after this year.

Then again, it is more than possible the Patriots get steadier production from the likes of Harry and Sanu, which can only have a positive impact on the offensive unit.