After another disappointing season in 2023, the Patriots ultimately finished the year with the second pick. There was a lot of debate on what they should do, with a glaring need at receiver and quarterback. New England ultimately decided to take a quarterback in Drake Maye, and draft receivers later. Here's why the receiver group will determine New England's success.
Jacoby Brissett's Skillset
Jacoby Brissett is an eight-year veteran quarterback, and at this point, his ceiling is known. Brissett is a great veteran presence and mentor to have, but he's not a quarterback who is going to elevate the receivers around him. Brissett for his career has been a steady quarterback with a passer rating of 85.3 and close to a two to one touchdown to interception ratio.
Brissett's skill set would be maximized if New England had a strong rushing attack and play-action game, which would help to take pressure off Brissett. The most important reason the Patriots brought Jacoby in was so he could be a good mentor for their rookie, Drake Maye. Jacoby is a pure pocket passer, meaning he won't extend plays. This makes it more important that Ja'Lynn Polk and Javon Baker can develop well in their rookie seasons.
X-Factor Receiver
The Patriots' receiver room has a lot of depth, with receivers such as Kendrick Bourne, Polk, Javon Baker, Tyquan Thornton, and K.J. Osborn. Of all those names, Kendrick Bourne is the X-Factor in the position group. Bourne broke out in 2021 with rookie Mac Jones with 800 receiving yards. Bourne was New England's most dynamic receiver and led the team with a 75-yard touchdown.
Due to injury issues since then, Bourne hasn't been able to consistently stay on the field. Now, he's all set for a healthy start this year and could emerge as Jacoby Brissett's favorite target. Kendrick is the veteran in this position group and is the most proven so far.
Overall Thoughts
If you look at the Patriots' roster, the receiver position is the biggest need at the moment. All the top contenders in the NFL have a star number-one receiver. Having a consistent elite presence at receiver significantly boosts an offense and helps develop quarterbacks. New England has a lot of depth at receiver but lacks the true elite presence a team needs.
The Patriots need one of their young receivers like Thornton, Polk, or Baker to show significant promise this season, or else receiver is going to be a massive need for them next year as well.
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