As the New England Patriots gear up to revamp their offense through free agency and the NFL Draft, they must heed the costly lesson from a year ago.
During the 2023 draft process, the Patriots expressed genuine interest in wide receiver Puka Nacua. They met with him during the NFL Scouting Combine and at the Senior Bowl. However, despite their interest, Nacua ended up being a steal for another team.
The Los Angeles Rams ultimately selected Nacua as the 177th overall pick in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft. This decision proved to be immensely rewarding for the Rams as Nacua quickly blossomed into a Pro Bowl player. In his rookie season, Nacua made an immediate impact, amassing 105 receptions for 1,486 yards and six touchdowns. His emergence provided quarterback Matthew Stafford with another top-tier target in Sean McVay’s offensive scheme.
Additionally, Nacua made history by setting new NFL rookie records for receptions and receiving yards in a debut season, solidifying his status as an exceptional talent in the league.
The Patriots’ missed opportunity to draft Nacua, coupled with his subsequent success in the NFL, stings for New England. In the draft sequence, the Patriots opted for guard Atonio Mafi just 11 picks before the Rams selected Nacua, followed by selecting receiver Kayshon Boutte in the sixth round.
The selection of Boutte, in particular, raises questions about the decision not to choose Nacua. Boutte’s limited impact, highlighted by a crucial out-of-bounds catch in Week 1 against the Philadelphia Eagles,
followed by minimal playing time and only two receptions in four additional games, adds to the scrutiny. As a result, there’s uncertainty surrounding Boutte’s future with the Patriots as he approaches his second season.
From quarterbacks to wide receivers, the Patriots need to unearth playmakers to rejuvenate their offense and compete in the NFL. Having faced ridicule before, they must approach this year’s draft with the opportunity to change their narrative.
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