The coveted WR Patriots got stolen from them in 2024 draft

The New England Patriots substantially overhauled their offense during this offseason. The Patriots added talent to every level of the offense via free agency and the 2024 NFL Draft. A recent report from ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler explains how the Patriots almost landed one of their most coveted wide receivers in the draft.

Fowler reports that early in the draft process, the Patriots hoped a certain wide receiver would be available either at their second-round pick (34th overall) or in a trade up into the late first round. According to a source, that receiver was South Carolina’s Xavier Legette. This did not come to pass as the Carolina Panthers moved into the first round (up one spot from 33rd overall to 32nd overall) to grab Legette.

Xavier Legette profiles as a prototypical X receiver who boasts strong hands and surprising short-area quickness. Legette is a physical receiver who plays strong and can come down with contested catches.

As a result of Carolina’s move, New England took much of Friday to shop around their second-round pick. The Los Angeles Chargers agreed to a trade with the Patriots, allowing New England to move down to 37th overall and gain additional picks. The Patriots then selected wide receiver Ja’Lynn Polk at 37. New England reportedly had Polk rated as one of their top six or seven receivers in the entire draft, so they must have been thrilled to select him and gain extra draft picks. However, they missed out on Legette.

Polk is built similarly to Legette. He has great jump-ball talent and is an excellent route runner. One aspect of his game that the Patriots are sure to like is his high effort when run blocking. He may not be Xavier Legette, but the Patriots got a good one.

Previewing the 2024 New England Patriots offense