The New England Patriots have been connected to a rather questionable wide receiver move.
The New England Patriots' wide receiver room was a major source of contention heading into last offseason, but they rectified the issue by signing Stefon Diggs and Mack Hollins while also selecting Kyle Williams in the third round of the NFL Draft.
Williams has shown next to nothing during his rookie campaign, but Diggs and Hollins have both been impressive, and Kayshon Boutte has enjoyed a tremendous season.
However, some feel the Patriots still need to add another weapon for Drake Maye, and Bleacher Report has labeled USC Trojans receiver Makai Lemon as the best possible fit for New England in the 2026 NFL Draft.
"Carnell Tate is the pipe dream. Maye would love his huge catch radius and his ability as a downfield ball-winner. Makai Lemon is a bit more realistic target given the Patriots success this season. He could become the trusty chain-mover that racks up 100 catches a year," Bleacher Report wrote.
Lemon has certainly had a terrific year at USC, having hauled in 78 receptions for 1,124 yards and 10 touchdowns. He leads the Big Ten in the two former categories, and he has even punched in a couple of rushing scores in 2025.
USC Trojans receiver Makai Lemon. Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images.But is Lemon really the best option for the Pats?
The 21-year-old is a bit undersized at 5-foot-11, and he doesn't have elite downfield speed to compensate for it. Plus, wide receiver really isn't the Patriots' biggest need anymore.
New England specifically needs help along its offensive line and could also stand to add another pass rusher, as the Pats still rank in the bottom half of the league in sacks.
This isn't to say that the Patriots should ignore the wide receiver position entirely in the draft. They absolutely should take one, but Lemon is projected by some to be a first-round pick, and New England shouldn't be wasting its first-round draft choice on him.
There is quite a bit of depth at wide out in this upcoming draft class, so the Pats can nab a receiver on Day 2 — or maybe even Day 3 — rather than using their top pick on one.
Not only that, but the Patriots will once again have extensive cap room, so they can afford to bring in another receiver in free agency.