5 Wide Receivers Patriots Could Target in NFL Draft

New England looks to add playmakers to their offense after losing Stefon Diggs

Apr. 2, 2026 at 12:39pm

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The New England Patriots are searching for offensive weapons in the upcoming NFL Draft, with wide receiver being a key position of need. The team added Romeo Doubs in free agency, but he may not be enough to replace the production of Stefon Diggs, who had over 1,000 receiving yards last season. This article examines five wide receiver prospects the Patriots could target with their first-round pick, including Denzel Boston, KC Concepcion, Jordyn Tyson, Omar Cooper Jr., and Germie Bernard.

Why it matters

The Patriots' offense struggled at times last season, and finding a true No. 1 wide receiver to complement their running game will be crucial for their hopes of returning to the Super Bowl. This draft class offers several intriguing options that could help fill that void.

The details

Denzel Boston from the University of Washington is a big-bodied receiver with elite ball skills, but concerns about his speed could cause him to slip in the draft. KC Concepcion from Texas A&M is a playmaker who excels in the quick-passing game, while Jordyn Tyson of Arizona State has the versatility to line up all over the field. Indiana's Omar Cooper Jr. plays with physicality reminiscent of 49ers star Deebo Samuel, while Alabama's Germie Bernard is a polished route runner with good size and strong hands.

  • The 2023 NFL Draft will take place from April 27-29.

The players

Denzel Boston

A wide receiver from the University of Washington who stands at 6-foot-4, 212 pounds and is known for his elite ball skills and physicality, but has concerns about his top-end speed.

KC Concepcion

A wide receiver from Texas A&M who excels in the quick-passing game with his quickness, footwork, and ability to create separation, but has some issues with dropped passes.

Jordyn Tyson

A versatile wide receiver from Arizona State who can line up all over the field and is a willing blocker, but has an injury history that could cause him to slip in the draft.

Omar Cooper Jr.

A wide receiver from Indiana who plays with physicality and toughness, reminiscent of 49ers star Deebo Samuel, but needs to improve his route running and blocking.

Germie Bernard

A wide receiver from Alabama who is a polished route runner with good size and strong hands, but lacks a true elite trait that stands out.

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What’s next

The Patriots will have a close eye on the wide receiver prospects during the upcoming NFL Draft, with their first-round pick at 31st overall being a key opportunity to find a playmaker to elevate their offense.

The takeaway

The Patriots have a clear need at wide receiver after losing Stefon Diggs, and this draft class offers several intriguing options that could help fill that void. Whether they target a big-bodied contested catch specialist, a quick-twitch route runner, or a versatile playmaker, finding the right fit will be crucial for the team's offensive success in 2023 and beyond.