These are my top 5 fits for the Patriots WR position. The Patriots signed Chris Hogan in the offseason, but with Edelman and Amendola starting to age, there is a need for the Patriots to pick a WR on the 2nd day of the draft. Even though none of the WRs I like are big time prospects, the Patriots have some very good options to look at.

Sterling Shepard (mid 2nd): Of all the WRs in this draft class, Shepard has the best chance of being able to contribute from Day 1. Shepard can run every route in the tree effectively and knows how to generate separation. Shepard won't wow people with measurables, but he just goes along and keeps producing. Shepard immediately challenges Danny Amendola for the starting slot receiver job, although we're likely to see a reduction in usage from there. Shepard is probably the closest comparable to a Wes Welker in the draft since Welker's emergence with the Patriots in 2007. Leonte Carroo (late 2nd): The Patriots decision to draft Carroo may depend on how Robert Kraft feels about his assault incident, which is likely why he's slipped into the Patriots draft range. Carroo has a good combination of speed, agility, and ability to threaten down the field despite his less than ideal height. Carroo was extremely productive in his career at Rutgers and was able to beat whatever coverage teams threw his way. Carroo gives the Patriots a shot at getting 1st round WR talent at the bottom of the 2nd round if they believe that Carroo has unquestionable character and that was just a slip up and not a sign of things to come. Carroo can instantly challenge for a starting WR spot in Year 1, although the lack of a Special Teams fit could be an issue. Mike Thomas (early 3rd): No, this is the Southern Miss Thomas, not Ohio State. Thomas was very productive and put up huge numbers despite not playing in a Power 5 conference school. Thomas has solid size at 6'1" 193 and can run all the routes the Patriots like to use with their X receivers effectively. Thomas was a big time combine snub and that could have risen to the 2nd round if more teams saw how athletic he was. Thomas probably doesn't have much Year 1 value other than being a backup X receiver behind Chris Hogan, whose really more like a super-sized Edelman, to start the season. Malcolm Mitchell (mid 3rd): Mitchell is a solid option if the Patriots are unable to land the Top 3 WRs listed here. Mitchell has solid speed and change of direction ability in addition to being a sound route runner. Mitchell should be able to contribute as a kick returner while playing as the backup X receiver on the roster. The Patriots have previous ties to the Georgia program with backup center David Andrews being a former teammate. Rashard Higgins (late 3rd): Higgins is another case of a non-Power 5 conference WR putting up big numbers. In 2014, he 96 balls for 1750 yards and 17 TDs with Saints 3rd string QB Garrett Grayson throwing him the ball. With a new QB, his numbers dropped to 75/1052/8, which is still impressive. Higgins' measurables aren't going to wow people, but he's very good at tracking deep balls and is a very adept hands catcher. Higgins is my sleeper WR pick for the draft and could immediately challenge for the starting X WR job in Year 1.