Patriots Top Draft Fit Becoming Abundantly Clear

The New England Patriots are seeming more and more likely to select this WR in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Oct 19, 2024; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Arizona Wildcats wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan (4) against the Colorado Buffalos at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images / Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The New England Patriots will have a lot of needs heading into the offseason, but perhaps their most glaring hole is at the wide receiver position.

With Drake Maye now under center, it's time for the Patriots to make a serious effort to add some weapons for the young quarterback, and Bleacher Report's Dame Parson has identified the best possible NFL Draft fit for New England: Arizona Wildcats receiver Tetairoa McMillan.

"The Patriots were rumored to be interested in Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins this off-season. McMillan fills their need for a true WR1-caliber pass-catcher," Parson wrote. "McMillan brings similar height, weight and catch radius as Higgins, but he's a more fluid mover and route-runner. He wins with size (6'5", 212 lbs) and the ability to separate from defensive backs. McMillan can grow and flourish alongside Maye."

It's hardly the first time McMillan has been linked to the Pats, and the match certainly makes sense given the Patriots' dire need for help in the aerial attack coupled with the fact that McMillan will unquestionably be one of the top weapons available in the 2025 draft class.

McMillan has already caught 47 passes for 780 yards and four touchdowns this season. Last year, he hauled in 90 receptions for 1,402 yards and 10 scores.

The 21-year-old even made a significant impact during his freshman campaign in 2022, snaring 39 balls for 702 yards while reaching the end zone eight times.

New England will need to explore various options through free agency, trades and the draft in order to truly put together an impressive stable of wide outs. The Pats mostly struck out in that category this past offseason, which is a major reason why the offense has labored so much in 2024.

Maye has certainly provided Patriots fans with some hope, but he can only go so far without legitimate weapons at his disposal.

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