Patriots Persistently Linked to Second Round Wide Receiver Talent

The New England Patriots head to the 2026 NFL Draft with multiple strategies on the table. Head coach Mike Vrabel has said he prefers selecting the best available player over drafting strictly for need.

First-round posture

The Patriots hold the No. 31 pick in the first round. If they take the best player available, their Day 2 choice could target receiver help.

Why a wide receiver in Round 2 makes sense

Scouts view this wide receiver class as deep despite questions about its star power. That depth raises the chance a top receiver remains at No. 63.

Chris Bell: profile and comparisons

Louisville wideout Chris Bell has risen on draft boards. He measures 6-foot-2 and 222 pounds and plays a physical brand of football.

NBC Sports Boston’s Phill Perry likened Bell’s strength and contested-catch ability to A.J. Brown. Filmogaz.com contributor Mike Dussault noted Bell’s potential as a perimeter target when healthy.

Skills and upside

Bell offers route violence and yards after contact. Evaluators see Day 2 upside if he regains full explosiveness.

Medical considerations

The 21-year-old suffered a late-season ACL tear. That injury kept him out of many pre-draft offseason workouts.

Fit with New England

Patriots decision-makers must weigh immediate depth against long-term upside. If New England is hesitant about a trade for A.J. Brown, Bell becomes more attractive.

Patriots persistently linked to second round wide receiver talent will watch Bell’s medical reports closely. At pick No. 63, he could add a bigger outside presence to the receiver room.

Possible outcomes

If Bell returns to full health, he could compete for a starting role within a season. If concerns linger, teams may view him as a developmental Day 2 value.