Patriots Projected to Draft Explosive Stefon Diggs Replacement for Drake Maye

New England looks to add a top-tier receiver to complement QB Drake Maye and free agent signing Romeo Doubs.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 11:05pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a football player making a catch, with sharp geometric planes in the Patriots' navy blue, red, and silver colors.The Patriots' new-look receiving corps, featuring a mix of free agent signings and a first-round draft pick, aims to provide quarterback Drake Maye with a formidable set of weapons.Seattle Today

After cutting 1,000-yard receiver Stefon Diggs, the New England Patriots are expected to draft Washington's Denzel Boston in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft to replace him as the team's new top target for rising star quarterback Drake Maye.

Why it matters

The Patriots are looking to build around Maye, their breakout second-year QB who led them to the Super Bowl last season. Drafting a physical, big-bodied receiver like Boston to pair with free agent signing Romeo Doubs and Kayshon Boutte would give Maye a formidable receiving corps to work with as the team aims to take the next step.

The details

Boston is a violent, contested-catch specialist who posted back-to-back seasons with over 60 catches, 800 yards, and 8 touchdowns at Washington. He would join a Patriots offense featuring Maye, Doubs, and Boutte, providing much more upside than what the team had last year with Diggs, Boutte, and Mack Hollins.

  • In the 2026 NFL Draft, the Patriots are projected to select Boston with the 31st overall pick.

The players

Drake Maye

The Patriots' second-year quarterback who was the runner-up in MVP voting last season after throwing for 4,394 yards, 31 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions.

Stefon Diggs

The Patriots' former 1,000-yard receiver who was released due to off-field issues.

Romeo Doubs

The free agent receiver the Patriots signed from the Packers to be their new No. 1 target.

Denzel Boston

The Washington receiver the Patriots are projected to draft in the first round to replace Diggs as their top pass-catcher.

Kayshon Boutte

The Patriots' young receiver who had 33 catches for 551 yards and 6 touchdowns last season.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Denzel Boston is a tank who can line up in the slot and outside and blow through press coverage, and 2025 NFL MVP runner up Drake Maye will certainly enjoy having him to throw to in addition to free agency acquisition Romeo Doubs.”

— Garrett Podell, CBS Sports Analyst

What’s next

The Patriots will select Boston with the 31st overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, hoping he can be a dominant WR1 alongside Doubs and Boutte to help take their offense to new heights.

The takeaway

By drafting a physical, big-bodied receiver like Boston to complement their free agent signing of Romeo Doubs and young talent Kayshon Boutte, the Patriots are clearly building their offense around rising star quarterback Drake Maye as they look to take the next step after making the Super Bowl last season.