The Patriots will likely be targeting a young wide receiver early in the 2026 NFL Draft, and Bleacher Report’s NFL Scouting Department named three ideal receivers for New England.
Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate, along with USC’s WR Makai Lemon and Tennessee’s WR Chris Brazzell II, have been identified as fits for the Patriots.
“Carnell Tate is the pipe dream. Drake Maye would love his huge catch radius and his ability as a downfield ball-winner,” B/R NFL Draft Scouting Dept wrote on Friday. “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. But Chris Brazzell II might be the best fit with the receivers they already have, as Dame Parson pointed out in the scouting department’s mock draft in early November.”
Tate has recorded 39 receptions for 711 yards and scored seven touchdowns in eight games this season. However, Tate likely will be one of the first players drafted in April, so New England will likely have to trade up to draft him.
Lemon is having an impressive season, boasting a total of 78 receptions for 1,124 yards and 10 touchdowns over 11 games.
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Brazzell made significant contributions with 56 receptions, amassing 926 yards and scoring eight touchdowns in 11 games. Brazzell could be on the board when the Patriots draft late in the first round and could be the young receiver New England is looking for.
