New England Patriots - NESN.com
It’s always a good idea to start considering how the New England Patriots can improve their roster for the upcoming season, even as they remain focused on clinching a Super Bowl victory this February.
One way New England can upgrade its roster is by the 2026 NFL Draft, and with the Patriots likely picking somewhere in the late 20s or early 30s in the first round, they could look to draft the best available player.
ESPN’s Matt Miller published a mock draft on Wednesday and has the Patriots selecting Louisville wide receiver Chris Bell at pick No. 30.
“Quarterback Drake Maye is an MVP candidate despite a relatively anonymous set of wide receivers,” Miller wrote. “And while Mack Hollins and Stefon Diggs are viable veteran options, the team must prioritize developing young starters.
“Bell represents the same type of physical mismatch that Hollins provides. At 6-foot-2 and 227 pounds, most cornerbacks can’t keep their hands on Bell. And from the slot, he uses his 4.4 speed to run past safeties. Bell’s development will include building up his route tree, but he’s similar in that way to DK Metcalf coming out of Ole Miss.”
Bell is in his fourth season at Louisville, and this year he has recorded 67 receptions for 871 yards and six touchdowns. This brings his career totals to 146 receptions, 2,120 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns.
