2021 NFL Mock Draft: Washington Football Team goes offense in Round 1

In 2020, the Patriots had an absolutely terrible offense. They struggled to move the ball all season long and while Cam Newton’s play at quarterback drew the ire of many, it truly wasn’t all his fault.

The Patriots had practically nothing in their receiving corps. Their top option going into the season was 34-year-old Julian Edelman. He lasted six games before a knee injury knocked him out. After that, the best receiving weapons for the Patriots were, in order, Jakobi Meyers, Damiere Byrd, James White, N’Keal Harry, and Ryan Izzo.

That’s not exactly a group of world-beaters. Even with Harry, a first-round pick, in tow, the Patriots have a need for two receivers to improve that offense for whoever starts at quarterback. At this point in the draft, Jaylen Waddle is the best option for them.

Waddle was overshadowed by Jerry Jeudy and Henry Ruggs in 2019 and played second-fiddle to DeVonta Smith in the six games he was healthy for this year. That said, Waddle showed off his explosive ability in the Alabama offense, averaging a whopping 21.1 yards per catch and totaling 591 yards in his six games. That’s more than he had in 13 games last year.

What really stands out about Waddle is his speed. He’s one of the fastest receivers in the game and he is dynamic with the ball in his hands. He’s an elite return man and will provide special teams value, something that Bill Belichick loves, while also being a potential No. 1 receiver.

Waddle is a bit on the smaller side at 5-foot-10, 182 pounds, but he is a true game-breaker. He would be a massive upgrade over Byrd as New England’s deep threat but can also run routes well enough to catch a volume of passes. There are so many ways that Josh McDaniels could use him to upgrade this stagnant offense.

The Patriots typically don’t take first-round wide receivers. Harry was the first Belichick ever took in two decades with the Patriots. However, Waddle has a special skill set and he fills the Patriots’ biggest need. He’s the perfect fit here… unless the Patriots are absolutely in love with Waddle’s quarterback, Mac Jones, and believe that he’s the future of their franchise.