Patriots Predicted To Add 6-Foot-4, 210-Pound Weapon For Drake Maye

The New England Patriots are going to the playoffs this year and still have plenty to play for this season. However, it is becoming clear what their offseason approach may be.

The Patriots could be targeting pass rushers and defensive backs during the offseason, but they figure to be picking in the backend of the first round of the NFL Draft. If they fill some needs in free agency, they could continue to add weapons for Drake Maye in the draft.

FanSided’s Cody Williams predicted the Patriots would select University of Washington wide receiver Denzel Boston with the 30th pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. Boston spent four years at Washington and declared for the draft following Washington’s win over Boise State in the LA Bowl.

Boston is 6-foot-4, 210 pounds and has 20 touchdowns in the last two seasons. This season, he posted 62 receptions for 881 yards and 11 touchdowns. ESPN’s NFL Draft analyst Mel Kiper has Boston ranked as the 24th-best player in this draft class, and the fifth-best wide receiver.

“Boston has developed into a nuanced route runner who uses his size and physicality to shield defenders from the football,” Kiper wrote of Boston on Dec. 11. “His length and catch radius make life miserable for opposing cornerbacks. And the way Boston quickly finds openings in coverage jumps out on tape, helping him to 13.5 yards per catch on the season. He has Velcro-esque hands, allowing him to go high or low to haul in difficult receptions.”

The Patriots already have a talented group of passcatchers, but Stefon Diggs is aging, and adding a player like Boston could set New England up for the years post-Diggs. Boston was named a third-team All-Big Ten wide receiver this past season.

Mack Hollins is slated to be a free agent after next season and Diggs is expected to hit the market after the 2027 season. If the Patriots add Boston now, they could be set up down the road. He could see an expanded role if Hollins leaves, and take over as the No. 1 option if Diggs leaves after the 2027 season.