Top Wide Receiver Prospects for Patriots in 2026 NFL Draft

The New England Patriots are making preparations for the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft, where they hold the 31st overall pick. This is a significant change for the Patriots, who have selected within the top five in the last two drafts. One of the key positions in question for the team is wide receiver, especially with ongoing speculation about a potential trade for A.J. Brown. Rather than pursuing trades, the Patriots may focus on bringing in new talent through the draft.

Current Wide Receiver Landscape

This offseason has seen considerable turnover in the Patriots’ wide receiver department. The team released veteran Stefon Diggs after he recorded over 1,000 yards last season. In his place, they signed Romeo Doubs to a lucrative contract worth $68 million over four years. Doubs is expected to take on a role similar to that of Diggs, adding versatility to the roster.

The depth chart features several other noteworthy players. Mack Hollins has proved to be a dependable target for quarterback Drake Maye, excelling as an intermediate receiver. However, he lacks guaranteed money on his contract for the upcoming season. Meanwhile, Kayshon Boutte and DeMario Douglas are entering the final years of their rookie contracts. The wide receiver lineup also includes second-year players Kyle Williams, who had limited playtime last season, and Efton Chism III, who could receive more opportunities due to his strong performance as a blocker.

Top Wide Receiver Prospects for Patriots in the 2026 NFL Draft

As the Patriots prepare for the draft, several wide receiver prospects stand out as potential fits for the team.

• KC Concepcion (Texas A&M)

  Regarded as the best separator in the draft class, Concepcion stands at 5-foot-11 and weighs 196 pounds. His primary role will be as an inside receiver, but concerns about his high drop rate could linger.

• Denzel Boston (Washington)

  Boston is a big-bodied X-receiver known for winning contested catches, boasting a 76.9% success rate. Questions about his speed remain, as he did not participate in the Combine.

• Chris Brazzell II (Tennessee)

  At 6-foot-4 and running a 4.34-second 40-yard dash, Brazzell is a formidable athlete. His ability to separate is enticing but requires more consistency.

• Chris Bell (Louisville)

  Bell, measuring 6 feet 2 inches and 222 pounds, possesses a unique combination of speed and power. His route running remains a work in progress, especially following a November ACL injury.

• Germie Bernard (Alabama)

  Bernard is an efficient route runner with elite hands and a low drop rate of 2.5%. He played a key role in Alabama’s offense last season, although he may duplicate existing skills in the Patriots’ roster.

• Ted Hurst (Georgia State)

  Hurst excels as an X-receiver, standing 6-foot-4 with remarkable speed. He led FBS receivers with 27 receptions of 20-plus yards over the past two seasons.

• Others to Watch

  Additional prospects include:

  • Elijah Sarratt (Indiana)
  • Jakobi Lane (USC)
  • Malachi Fields (Notre Dame)
  • Antonio Williams (Clemson)
  • Skyler Bell (UConn)
  • Cyrus Allen (Cincinnati)

As the draft approaches, the Patriots’ decision-making will be critical in shaping their wide receiver lineup for the 2026 season. The strategic focus will likely play a significant role in solidifying their passing game.