In early rookie drafts, I've seen some interest in Patriots fourth-rounder Malcolm Mitchell. It makes sense, with New England having largely nominal veteran wideouts and slot types. They need someone to step in and have the kind of year Brandon LaFell had for them a couple of years ago.
In 2016, that guy will probably be Chris Hogan. Maybe it will be Mitchell in the future, but for him to do that, he'll have to be a lot better than New England's other recent draft picks at the position.
Since hitting with second-rounder Deion Branch way back in 2002, New England has drafted seven wide receivers in the first four rounds of the draft. Not one of them has done anything of note in the NFL. Six busts, and Mitchell the seventh. So he'll be beating some poor odds if he turns out well.
Patriots wideouts drafted in the first four rounds since 2003 are presented below.
| PATRIOTS DRAFTED WRs, RDs 1-4, 2003-2016 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Rd | Pick | Player |
| 2003 | 2 | 45 | Bethel Johnson |
| 2006 | 2 | 36 | Chad Jackson |
| 2009 | 3 | 83 | Brandon Tate |
| 2010 | 3 | 90 | Taylor Price |
| 2013 | 2 | 59 | Aaron Dobson |
| 2013 | 4 | 102 | Josh Boyce |
| 2016 | 4 | 112 | Malcolm Mitchell |
--Andy Richardson