Preview of the Patriots draft: A strong wide receiver class suggests success for New England.

a look at possible wide receiver possibilities that the Patriots may target in the NFL Draft in 2024.

The biggest need on the current roster of the New England Patriots is at wide receiver, with the exception of left tackle and quarterback. The squad as a whole lacks the ability to truly make a difference, despite having several fascinating young players and some established players under contract.

All things considered, but particularly externally, that is true. The Patriots have a ton of slot and Z options, but their X-receiver depth is lacking, as evidenced by their roster:

• Kendrick Bourne (84) | Opening day age: 29 | Contract: Signed through 2026
• DeMario Douglas (3) | Opening day age: 23 | Contract: Signed through 2026
• K.J. Osborn (2) | Opening day age: 27 | Contract: Signed through 2024
• JuJu Smith-Schuster (7) | Opening day age: 27 | Contract: Signed through 2025
• Tyquan Thornton (11) | Opening day age: 24 | Contract: Signed through 2025
• Jalen Reagor (1) | Opening day age: 25 | Contract: Signed through 2024
• Kayshon Boutte (80) | Opening day age: 22 | Contract: Signed through 2026
• T.J. Luther (82) | Opening day age: 24 | Contract: Signed through 2024
• Kawaan Baker (86) | Opening day age: 26 | Contract: Signed through 2024

Prior to 2024, the Patriots’ best receiving options were all split out wide or within the formation as Z-receivers. Although the squad does have some prospects to play the X role, most of them are tweeners (K.J. Osborn, Tyquan Thornton, T.J. Luther) or have not performed consistently during their NFL careers (Jalen Reagor).

Fortunately for the Patriots, there are plenty of wideouts available in this year’s draft class who might fill that need. New England may be able to discover players who can contribute at the X and other receiving spots on all three days.

Considering the wideout depth chart’s present makeup, outside players are the main emphasis of this breakdown. Many X-receiver prospects exist, along with a few players in the Z and slot categories. The latter two, on the other hand, are mainly focused on elite talent that might have an immediate effect or on fascinating developing players to add to the mix in later rounds.

Now that we have everything out of the way, let’s examine the wide receiver prospects for the Patriots in the 2024 NFL Draft.