The New England Patriots need to upgrade their offensive weapons for quarterback Drake Maye this offseason, whether through free agency, trades, or the NFL Draft.
Tony Pauline of Sportskeeda predicts that the Patriots will hold onto the No. 4 overall pick and select Arizona Wildcats wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan. Pauline believes McMillan is a standout talent who could quickly become Maye’s favorite target, even though the Patriots also need a left tackle.
McMillan has been impressive, coming off a stellar 2024 season where he recorded 84 catches for 1,319 yards and eight touchdowns. Since joining Arizona in 2022, the 21-year-old has proven to be a major playmaker. He debuted with 39 receptions for 702 yards and eight touchdowns, averaging an impressive 18 yards per catch. His sophomore year was even better, with 90 catches for 1,402 yards and 10 scores.
While New England has cap space to pursue offensive talent in free agency, drafting McMillan would be an excellent fallback option, especially after last year’s struggles in adding impactful players. The Patriots currently have one of the weakest receiving corps in the NFL, a situation that must change with Maye now leading the offense.
However, wide receiver isn’t the team’s only concern. New England also needs to address issues on the offensive line to protect Maye. How the Patriots choose to rebuild their roster will be crucial in the months ahead.
