Reports have surfaced that the Patriots spent a lot of time with Boston College receiver Zay Flowers at the East-West Shrine Bowl last week. Flowers was on the West roster which was coached by Troy Brown and other Patriots assistants. Flowers practiced during the week but did not play in the game.

The Patriots could use a receiver like Flowers. They do not have that versatile piece at the position that can make plays in all three levels of the passing game like Flowers can.

While receiver may not be at the top of the list of needs for the Patriots, it could become a position of need if the team doesn’t re-sign unrestricted free agent Jakobi Meyers.

The question is, do the Patriots take Flowers with the 14th pick? While the rest of the football world might think that is too high, Bill Belichick will not care. If he thinks Flowers can help the team, he would draft him with the 14th pick. Remember, Belichick drafted Cole Strange in the first round in last year’s draft. He won’t think twice about taking Flowers.

The bigger question is, do the Patriots take a receiver in the first round? Forget about the teams track record with developing receivers. The Patriots have other needs such as offensive tackle and cornerback. Unless they address those needs in free agency, they may have to address them early in the draft.

Flowers is a special player. The Patriots saw that up close last week. They need a dynamic receiver like him in this offense. He will however be a popular player, especially if he has a great combine and pro day.

If Belichick thinks he can get Flowers later in the first round by trading back, that could be a miscalculation. Flowers will be off the board before pick number 20.

If the Patriots want him, they may have to take Flowers at pick 14. Otherwise, he will be long gone by the time the second round rolls around.