Patriots Predicted To Draft 'Downfield Playmaking' WR To Boost Offense

Patriots Predicted To Draft 'Downfield Playmaking' WR To Boost Offense originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The New England Patriots may be on the lookout for a wide receiver in the upcoming first round of the NFL Draft, as they plan to release Stefon Diggs at the start of the new league year on March 11.

New England has the No. 31 pick in the first round, which presents a great opportunity to snag a wide receiver who may be slipping down the draft board. Patriots writer Chad Graff from The Athletic has a particular player in mind who fits that description.

Graff published a Patriots mock draft on Wednesday following the combine, featuring New England selecting Tennessee wide receiver Chris Brazzell II at No. 31.

"A week ago, this would’ve seemed like a reach. But few players upped their stock at the combine as much as Brazzell, who ran a blazing 4.37-second 40-yard dash. He’s an outside receiver who is 6-feet-4 and can win downfield," Graff wrote. "That could be a big boost for the Patriots, considering Drake Maye’s deep ball is arguably the best part of his impressive passing game."

Brazzell played four seasons of college football, beginning his journey at Tulane for two years before transferring to Tennessee. Over the course of 40 career games, he recorded 136 receptions for 2,072 yards and 16 touchdowns, making him a valuable addition to the New England offense.

More NFL: Patriots' Most Obvious Offseason Target Is Former Division Rival, First-Round Pick