2020 NFL Draft: 5 players Patriots could take in Round 1

Justin Jefferson

We have a theory. With so many people talking about how great this draft class is, we think some of these receivers might fall. Teams might be reluctant to use their top pick on a position that might have first-round talent in the third round. That could cause some of the best players to fall down the draft board.

Following this thought, Justin Jefferson could be available to the Patriots at No. 23. Belichick may be hesitant to select another wide receiver after Harry in the first round last season, but we haven’t seen enough for him to be the only option outside of Julian Edelman.

Jefferson is a reigning national champion, leaving the LSU Tigers with his quarterback Joe Burrow. He can run a route with the best of them, and that’s a big deal for the complex Patriots system. He gets separation on man coverage, something that has really hurt receivers when jumping from the NCAA to the NFL.

The kid caught 111 passes last season. Yes, Burrow was his quarterback, and putting the ball exactly where it needed to go, but those numbers are wild in the SEC.

The Patriots have to worry about the Eagles taking him at No. 21, who have a need for receiver after injury-plagued seasons from Alshon Jeffery and DeSean Jackson. If they go another way, the Patriots should jump at the chance to take Jefferson.