New England Patriots: An early look at top 2021 NFL Draft needs

Pass catchers

Right now, the New England Patriots have arguably the worst collection of offensive skill position talent in the entire NFL. As we talked about earlier, running back Damien Harris and wide receiver Jakobi Meyers have played well, but neither player is a guy who they can build around going forward. This team desperately needs impact playmakers in the passing game who can make life easier on whoever is taking snaps under center.

If they are not in a position to take a franchise quarterback, the New England Patriots should take a pass catcher in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft. It does not matter if he plays wide receiver or tight end, just take a talented guy who can make plays in the passing game.

At tight end, Kyle Pitts stands out as an obvious choice. Pitts is essentially just a wide receiver who is listed as a tight end, but he is undoubtedly an impact player in the passing game. His combination of size, speed and athleticism make him an absolute matchup nightmare for the defense all over the field.

The 2021 NFL Draft class is absolutely loaded with talent at the wide receiver position. With the Patriots expected to pick somewhere in the middle of the first round, guys like Devonta Smith, Rashod Bateman and Jaylen Waddle stand out as obvious targets.

Smith is the dream prospect for the Pats to land, as he is a dynamic playmaker who can make an impact all over the field. Bateman is more of a possession guy, but his run-after-catch ability is incredibly impressive. Waddle is the pure speed guy whose ability to beat the defense deep and create after the catch will immediately make him one of the most dangerous weapons in the NFL as a rookie.

Simply put, the New England Patriots need to prioritize offensive playmakers in the 2021 NFL Draft. Adding a true number one option to this passing attack would open up this offense and help take them to the next level.