Patriots 2025 NFL Draft: Best wide receiver targets in each of the first 3 rounds
The New England Patriots got their quarterback, but now the focus is putting an offensive line and elite playmakers around him.
In path to another top 5 draft pick, the Patriots will have a decision to make with that first pick. Do they select one of the top targets or do they use that pick to get an elite weapon for Drake Maye?
Whichever path they take, they are building around the young quarterback. It just comes down to which position is more important and how the 2025 NFL Draft swings as far as who comes off the board before they select.
With a ton of cap space, there are other ways the Patriots could address both positions. The best option may be going with a sure bet in the top of the draft which could be a receiver and dip into the dip tackle pool in the second round. But it’s clear, they must land Maye a top target. This will be one draft they should hit on.
2025 NFL Draft wide receiver class is deep once again
If you are a Patriots fan, the last few drafts haven’t been kind as far as selecting the right wide receiver in deep draft classes. In fact, it seems the Patriots have found a way to pick the one receiver that ended up being a draft bust. N’Keal Harry and Tyquan Thornton were high round picks that didn’t work out. The team is hoping 2024 NFL Draft second round pick Ja’lynn Polk is not trending down that path, especially after passing on Ladd McConkey to draft back and take the Washington product.
With that said, there is an opportunity to correct those mistakes. With a top 5 pick, a high second round pick and two thirds, the Patriots will have a shot at finally finding that playmaker who fits.
In this 2025 NFL Draft series, NFL Mocks looks at the best option at wide receiver for the Patriots in each of the first three rounds based on current draft position.
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Round 1, Pick 4: Tetairoa McMillan, WR – Arizona Wildcats
Maye to Tetairoa McMillan is the dream here. The Arizona Wildcats receiver is far and beyond the top outside receiver in the draft. With his outstanding size (6-foot-5, 212 pounds), athleticism and catch radius, McMillan looks to be the X-receiver the Patriots have been looking for in what seems like forever. With a quarterback with the arm Maye has, this is a potential connection that could dominate the AFC East and NFL for years to come. The only weakness with McMillan might be his route running, but his big frame just makes him a supreme target for a QB like Maye.
Round 2, Pick 36: Tre Harris, WR – Ole Miss Rebels
With the No. 36 overall pick, a receiver like Tre Harris will be enticing. Coming off a season in which he caught 60 passes for 1,030 yards and 7 touchdowns, this Ole Miss star has ideal size at 6-foot-3, 210 pounds and physicality at the position to make an impact in the NFL right away. As a player who can play both the outside and the slot, versatility is what would lead the Patriots to gush over a target like Harris, especially if he gets past the first round.
Round 3, Pick 68: Xavier Restrepo, WR – Miami Hurricanes
The Patriots could make up for passing on McConkey by selecting Xavier Restrepo out of the University of Miami. Tough, smooth, and just unstoppable out of the slot, Restrepo will be a prize target for Maye or any quarterback in the NFL. Not only is he quick off the line of scrimmage, his yards after the catch and reliability as a pass catcher will remind Patriot fans of Julian Edelman. He would also be an instant security blanket for Maye, a player who he can get the ball to quick when under pressure.
Round 3, Pick 83: Tez Johnson, WR – Oregon Ducks
Further down in the third round, a player like Tez Johnson could be a steal. With the emergence of Evan Stewart, Johnson’s draft stock has dipped. He still, however, has 78 receptions for 866 yards and 10 touchdowns catching the ball from Dillon Gabriel. A catch-and-run threat, Johnson could be what the Patriots already have in Demario Douglas, but as a team that needs offensive explosion, take the player, and let the rest work its way out in training camp. Because with his route running precision and speed, Johnson could eventually become a Tyreek Hill type in the NFL.