Final Patriots 7-Round Mock Before 2024 NFL Draft

2. Second Round (34th Overall): Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon

In the infamous 2019 N'Keal Harry draft, New England managed to draft the only bad one in another strong WR class. Hopefully, this isn't a repeat offense.

The Patriots will have quite a few attractive wideout prospects to choose from at 34 in a talented wide receiver class. Offensive tackle could have also been a position of need at 34, but de facto GM Eliot Wolf has shown faith in free agent signing Chukwuma Okorafor to start at left tackle.

Ultimately, the Patriots take Troy Franklin from Oregon at 34 over some other talented receivers that will likely be on the board (e.g. Ladd McConkey, Ricky Pearsall, Xavier Leggette, Xavier Worthy, Keon Coleman, etc.)

The Patriots reportedly hosted Franklin for a top-30 visit. He has good size at 6'3", ran a 4.41 at the combine, and is coming off of a standout junior season in which he caught 81 passes for 1,383 yards and 14 touchdowns. Franklin was tabbed as a second-team All-American before declaring for the draft.

The Patriots re-signed Kendrick Bourne, inked K.J. Osborn to a one-year deal, and have reportedly explored the trade market for veteran wide receivers. Their (eventually unsuccessful) courting of Calvin Ridley implies they are still looking to add at the position, and they can do so through the draft.

Franklin being a true No. 1 receiver in year one is probably a stretch, but New England's offense isn't going to fare much better if they stockpile Nos. 3 and 4 receivers.

Belichick's drafting record at the position was dreadful. Hopefully, things fare better under the new regime.