3 Players the Patriots Must Target With the No. 34 Pick
The 2024 NFL Draft has been at the forefront of most New England Patriots fans' minds ever since the 2023 season came to an end. The Patriots currently hold the third overall selection for April's draft, leaving the fanbase theorizing which quarterback — likely one of Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, and Jayden Daniels — the franchise will use its highest pick on.
Nevertheless, the Patriots have six other draft picks on top of the third overall selection — including Pick No. 34. Considering how first-round-level talents can sometimes slip into the second round, there's a good chance that New England can add another legitimate contributor to kick off Round 2.
Patriots Should Draft Oregon WR Troy Franklin at No. 34
There's no doubt about it: addressing the wide receiver room should be one of the Patriots' top priorities this offseason.
New England had one of the worst passing attacks in 2023 and a lot of that had to do with a lack of WR production. Aside from rookie Demario Douglas' 561-yard performance, there wasn't another Patriots WR who hit the 500-yard mark. Kendrick Bourne would've had he not torn his ACL while the likes of JuJu Smith-Schuster and DeVante Parker proved that their best days are firmly in the rearview.
In other words, finding a legitimate wideout at the NFL Draft is crucial, hence why the Patriots should consider drafting Oregon's Troy Franklin.
OH MY GOODNESS... AGAIN! 😳@oregonfootball making it look EASY! pic.twitter.com/12GKvAQS3i
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 12, 2023
The 6-foot-2, 176-pound playmaker is coming off a career year with the Ducks that saw him set personal bests when it came to receptions (81), receiving yards (1,383), and touchdowns (14). In fact, his TD total ranked third-best in the entire country, playing a big role in his earning first-team All-Pac-12 honors.
Franklin boasts a great combination of size and speed that could give defenses headaches for days. He can also play both inside and outside of the spot, opening the door for how head coach Jerod Mayo could use him. With the right QB throwing him the ball, it might not be long before Franklin develops into a legitimate WR1.