Ladd McConkey-like receiver would allow Patriots to salvage a big 2024 mistake

The Patriots are among several teams going into the 2025 NFL Draft needing a wide receiver and are lucky to have a deep class to pick through. Although their opportunity to take the best player of the class appears to be DOA, as Travis Hunter is expected to be a top-3 pick, that doesn't eliminate them from still adding an impressive pass catcher to their roster for the season ahead.

Because getting a receiver is considered a priority, even after shockingly signing Stefon Diggs to a three-year deal, there is a long list of players Mike Vrabel and Co. can consider.

One of the rising names in recent weeks is Iowa State's Jaylin Noel, who visited with New England last week for a pre-draft meeting. He is projected to be a day two pick, which the Patriots are in the perfect position for with the No. 38 selection, and there are plenty of reasons to be intrigued by what Noel could bring to the offense.

Besides his performance, a comparison to Ladd McConkey, a receiver the Patriots passed on in the 2024 NFL Draft, makes him all the more appealing.

The Patriots could right a big 2024 wrong by drafting Jaylin Noel this year

During a recent episode of The 33rd Team's "Check The Mic" podcast, Steve Palazzolo spoke about Noel and compared his receiver play to that of McConkey. The Chargers were lucky to add the Georgia standout 34th overall last year, which became even easier since the Patriots traded out of their initial second-round pick.

Rumors claimed they had their eye on Xavier Worthy, but he went to the Chiefs, so the team decided to trade back and eventually take Washington receiver Ja'Lynn Polk. Unfortunately, that move didn't pan out well during the season and made passing on McConkey, who many had labeled the perfect Patriots pick, look even worse.

Now, they could try again by picking Noel and getting their own McConkey-like player for Drake Maye to work with.

His entire college career isn't all that impressive, but he improved each year and had a standout final season in 2024, recording 80 receptions for 1,194 yards and eight touchdowns. That helped propel him into a top-tier player of the incoming class, along with his natural athleticism and quickness.

Those traits are needed for the current receiving corps, and if Palazzolo is correct in his comparison to McConkey, that's even more desirable for the roster.