Post-Super Bowl Patriots 7-Round Mock Draft: NE Invests in Offense
By Ryan Bunton
2. Second Round (34th Overall): Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas
Wide receiving is one of the most glaring needs on New England's roster this offseason. The entire Patriots' wide receiving corps combined for 175 receptions for 1,909 yards and five touchdowns.
Granted that underwhelming quarterback play undoubtedly hamstrung the offense's output, Jalen Reagor and a washed-up DeVante Parker didn't exactly instill fear in opposing secondaries. Surrounding new franchise quarterback Jayden Daniels with impact talent will be also paramount to the young signal caller's development.
Mitchell started his collegiate career at Georgia as a three-star recruit, but he impressed immediately with his ability to break into a loaded offense with the likes of Brock Bowers, George Pickens, and Jermaine Burton as the Bulldogs marched to a 14-1 season and a national championship.
Adonai Mitchell transferred to Texas after his sophomore season and blossomed under Steve Sarkisian's offense. With the Longhorns, Mitchell hauled in 55 catches for 845 yards and 11 touchdowns in 14 games as Texas earned a College Football Playoff berth. He declared for the draft following their semifinal loss to the Washington Huskies.
Per Pro Football Network, Mitchell possesses "elite route-running upside and big-play ability". Bleacher Report also highlights Mitchell's vertical threat, something that New England has historically lacked. Quite simply, no one on New England's roster right now offers that skillset. He projects as an outside receiver, which ideally the Patriots could pair with DeMario Douglas in the slot if Douglas can continue to build upon the flashes he showed in his 2023 rookie campaign.
Mitchell won't turn 22 until October and has good size at 6'4".