Patriots Reportedly Had Interest In Drafting 9-TD WR Amid A.J. Brown Rumors

Patriots Reportedly Had Interest In Drafting 9-TD WR Amid A.J. Brown Rumors originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The New England Patriots have been widely rumored to trade for Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown once June 1 hits.

However, no deal has been finalized yet, and New England was reportedly interested in drafting a star receiver in the first round. ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler reported that multiple league sources informed him New England had interest in selecting Texas A&M wide receiver KC Concepcion had the Cleveland Browns not taken him.

“The Patriots looked at offensive tackles and edge rushers in Round 1 -- and, yes, possibly receivers,” Fowler wrote in an article published on Wednesday night. “As one team source pointed out, the Patriots have nothing binding with the Philadelphia Eagles and A.J. Brown. No firm agreement is in place. Now, could there be a wink-wink understanding? 

"Certainly. But New England was free to make a move for a receiver, and it was on its radar in the first two rounds. A rival team picking late in the first believed that to be true. Eventual No. 24 pick KC Concepcion was a hot name. Had he slipped past Cleveland, New England was believed to be one of many teams that thought highly of him.”

After the Browns selected Concepcion, the Patriots ended up trading up to 28th overall to select Utah Utes offensive tackle Caleb Lomu. Offensive tackle was a major need for the Pats, and they decided to go that way instead of selecting another receiver.

Concpecion recorded 61 receptions for 919 yards and 9 touchdowns last season at Texas A&M.

New England ended up not selecting a wide receiver in the 2026 NFL Draft.

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