The New England Patriots will be a team to watch very closely over the next few years. As they look to rebuild their roster into an AFC contender, they will actively seek to make impactful changes to the roster.

Unfortunately, they are not a serious contender for the remainder of the 2024 season. However, Drake Maye has been named the starter and fans will have the opportunity to watch him develop later this year.

Looking ahead, the Patriots have some key needs to address. One of them is wide receiver, where there simply isn’t anyone who could be Maye’s No. 1 target.

New England could approach the problem in a few different ways. They could look to trade for a wideout, sign one in free agency, or add talent via the NFL Draft.

Should they decide to focus on adding wide receiver talent during the draft, there are some interesting options.

Many believe they should target Travis Hunter or Tetairoa McMillan in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. That would be a solid pick, but the Patriots could look to sign an offensive lineman with their first-round pick, which is expected to be in the top five.

If they pass on a wide receiver in the first round, there is an interesting wideout they should pursue as a trade back option in the second round or late in the first round.

Evan Stewart of the Oregon Ducks has the potential to be a major impact receiver at the NFL level. He is currently projected as a late first-round or early second-round pick.

So far this season, Stewart has caught 16 passes for 182 yards and two touchdowns in five games. He hasn’t put up the greatest production in the country, but he’s NFL-ready and has elite potential.

NFL draft buzz is certain that Stewart could have a very bright NFL future. They provided more information about what he could become at the next level.

“In the right system, Stewart has the tools to develop into a dangerous complementary weapon to an established X-receiver, with the potential to develop into a high-volume target as he refines his craft.”

One thing he needs to do is bulk up. He is 6 feet tall and weighs just 175 pounds. To become a top target at the NFL level, he needs to put on more muscle. At the professional level, it is much more difficult and physical to defeat opposing defensive backs.

However, he is the type of second-round pick that could have a very big impact. There are other wide receivers who could also be targeted, but Stewart is one New England should keep an eye on for the remainder of their season.

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