The Patriots have a decision to make on wide receiver Jakobi Meyers with free agency opening on Wednesday. Do they compete with other teams and sign him or do they accept the fact that he will probably be too expensive and move on?
This question could be answered as early as today with the league tampering window opening up. If Meyers moves on, the Patriots will have some options. This year’s receiver class in both free agency and the draft is good but not great. Despite that, there is still plenty of talent available.
Here are ten receivers in free agency and the draft that the Patriots could target.
Free Agency
1. Odell Beckham (Rams): The Patriots were one of several teams that attended Beckham’s workout on Friday. Beckham has always admired Bill Belichick and the Patriots from afar but does he still see them the same way not that they are not a title contender? Probably not but nonetheless the Patriots will be interested now that Beckham has healed from a torn ACL.
2. Parris Campbell (Colts): The former second round pick out of Ohio State finally stayed healthy last season and produced. Campbell caught 74.1% of his targets in 2022, a top-20 finish among wide receivers according to PFF. Campbell is versatile in that he can play the F, Z or X depending on the personnel grouping. He can make big plays over the top but also win underneath. He could be an affordable target for the Patriots.
3. Mack Hollins (Raiders): Hollins played for Josh McDaniels in Las Vegas last season so he is well versed in the Patriots offense. At 6-4 227, he has good size and he would give the Patriots a presence in the red zone at the X. He has also played special teams which will make him even more attractive to Belichick.
4. Olamede Zaccheaus (Falcons): Zaccheaus is a true slot who could thrive in the Patriots system. He is a terrific route runner who knows how to attack coverage and can create separation on his breaks. With the Patriots playing more of an emphasis on the slot receiver now, he could be a young, affordable option.
5. Noah Brown (Cowboys): Brown had a good season for Dallas in 2022 and is in line for an expanded role this season. Whether that comes with the Cowboys or somewhere else remains to be seen. He certainly has the size and the athleticism to play in the slot or as a split end depending on the formation and personnel grouping. Brown could be an affordable option for the team if they are looking to address receiver in free agency.
Draft
1. Zay Flowers, Boston College: Flowers impressed the Patriots at the East-West Shrine game and is the versatile piece they are missing on offense right now. He can play in the slot or as an F or Z. He is dynamic and explosive, an element Bill O’Brien will be looking to add to the Patriots offense. I do not see the Patriots taking Flowers at 14 but if they were to trade down, he is a possibility.
2. Nathaniel Dell, Houston: The Patriots will emphasize throwing to the slot more and the super productive Dell would be a great fit in O’Brien’s offense. He is a smooth route runner and can create separation on breaks. He plays faster than he times. Dell also offers kick return potential so he could be a dynamic playmaker in the right offense.
3. Jaxon-Smith Njigba, Ohio State: Smith Njigba could be the best receiver in this class. He can play in the slot or play flanker. He has strong hands, runs clean routes and wins on breaks. He is a three level target that can make plays in a myriad of ways. I do not think he gets past Green Bay at 15 so if the Patriots like him, they should take him at 14.
4. Cedric Tillman, Tennessee: Tillman would give the Patriots some size at the X and some big play potential to boot. He was Tennessee’s best receiver before he got hurt last season. Now that he is fully healthy, he could be a viable day two option for a team that could use a multi-dimensional receiver who can work all levels of the field.
5. Ronnie Bell, Michigan: Bell is a three level threat who can line up anywhere in a formation and be productive. He has consistent hands and can separate after the catch. He would be a great fit in the Patriots passing game working the middle of the field. on medium downs. Bell could be a potential target in the fourth round. The Patriots have multiple picks in the round.
Bringing back Meyers would be ideal but that is unrealistic given what he could get in the open market. The Patriots will need another receiver. Targeting one of these receivers in either free agency or the draft makes sense.