The Patriots, in an effort to enhance their offense and provide future starting quarterback Drake Maye with strong receiving options, picked two receivers in the WR-heavy draft in April: Ja’Lynn Polk (No. 37 overall) and Javon Baker (No. 110 overall). The Polk selection has generated significant discussion among prominent NFL commentators.

This has nothing to do with Polk himself. Earlier last month, it was reported that New England had tried to move up to acquire South Carolina wideout Xavier Legette with the No. 32 overall pick. On The Pat McAfee Show, former NFL exec Michael Lombardi revealed that the Patriots were also eyeing Texas receiver Xavier Worthy (video link).

Although the Bills traded the No. 28 pick to the Chiefs, letting them add Worthy to Patrick Mahomes‘ squad, Lombardi mentioned that the Patriots were aggressively pursuing Worthy. The Patriots were reportedly in talks with the Bills for the pick, but the Chiefs’ offer was deemed more valuable.

Considering the division rivalry between the Patriots and Bills, it’s understandable that Buffalo accepted the Chiefs’ proposal. New England is in a rebuilding phase while Buffalo aims for immediate championship success, making the decision to trade the pick to Kansas City a strategic move.

In addition to missing out on Worthy, the Bills also prevented the Patriots from acquiring Legette. After the Chiefs selected Worthy, five wide receivers were picked between picks 31 and 37. The Patriots aimed to get ahead but eventually settled for Polk at No. 37.

While the receivers drafted in the late first to early second rounds will be compared as their careers progress, the competition for specific pass catchers within that range adds more intrigue to future discussions. Despite missing out on top targets, Polk shows promise and could eventually prove to be a valuable addition for New England.