The New England Patriots are adding fuel to the idea that they could use their first-round draft pick on a wide receiver.
The Patriots hosted USC wideout Marqise Lee on a pre-draft visit this week, The National Football Post’s Aaron Wilson reported Friday, citing league sources.
Lee is projected to be selected in the first round of the 2014 NFL draft, and he could fall to the Patriots’ No. 29 overall pick. The Patriots also met with Lee at February’s NFL Scouting Combine.
Lee had a breakout season in 2012 as a sophomore, when he caught 118 passes for 1,721 yards with 14 touchdowns. He added 13 rushing attempts for 106 yards. Injuries and poor quarterback play slowed Lee in 2013, as he caught 57 passes for 791 yards with four TDs.
Lee also contributed as a special-teamer at USC, returning 50 kicks during his three-year career for 1,305 yards with two touchdowns.
The Patriots have met with most of this year’s top receivers, including Texas A&M’s Mike Evans, LSU’s Odell Beckham, Oregon State’s Brandin Cooks and Florida State’s Kelvin Benjamin.
Lee was NESN.com’s pick for the Patriots in this week’s mock draft.
