The New England Patriots are in desperate need of playmakers after focusing mainly on defensive help in free agency.
Besides Mack Hollins, the team has not added anyone significant to one of the worst receiver groups in the NFL.
That makes the draft a likely avenue for the team to do that.
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In the latest mock draft on CBS Sports from Kyle Stackpole, the Patriots aren’t able to land Travis Hunter but take the next best guy in Tetairoa McMillan, a 6 foot 5, smooth route-running receiver out of Arizona.
Of the receivers Maye currently has, none have the prolific size that McMillan has, which would give Maye a unique option for tight-window throws.
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McMillan had a great season last year for Arizona, finishing with 1,319 receiving yards on 84 receptions (15.7 yards per reception) and eight touchdowns. He has an intriguing combination of size, route-running, and ability after the catch that would be a huge addition to Josh McDaniels’s offense.
This is a potential option for the Patriots if Shedeur Sanders falls out of the top three. In that scenario, Cam Ward, Abdul Carter, and Travis Hunter would always go top three, with Carter and Hunter likely being the best-case scenario for the Patriots.
McMillan, however, would be a good consolation prize. The question for the Patriots would be can they possibly get McMillan later? A trade down for the Patriots has been a commonly mocked strategy.
Any team interested in Shedeur Sanders could jump a potential landing spot like the Raiders at No. 6 to take him at No. 4. The Raiders could also trade up to prevent that happening.
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Even if the Patriots did stick at four, McMillan is still a worthy pick and not much of a reach.
Offensive line would be the top need left for the Patriots with this pick. Tackle seems to be a bit deeper of a position than receiver in this year’s draft class, so that is something the Patriots should keep in mind when making their first-round pick.
There is also plenty of time to sign a tackle in free agency.
With a Tetairoa McMillan pick in the first round, the Patriots miss out on a clear top prospect and a potential trade down for more assets, but they get a top-tier consolation prize and immediate help on the perimeter for Drake Maye.
At pick No. 4, the Patriots have a lot of options that seem like positive ones.
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