A continuing series looking at how the Patriots could fill need positions through the NFL Draft, April 25-27.

The Patriots need to restock their wide receiver position.

But that’s easier said than done.

Since Bill Belichick took over in 2000, the Patriots have never drafted a receiver in the first round. The team’s struggles with developing young receivers have been well documented. The Pats came close in 2016 with Malcolm Mitchell, but a [...]

A continuing series looking at how the Patriots could fill need positions through the NFL Draft, April 25-27.

The Patriots need to restock their wide receiver position.

But that’s easier said than done.

Since Bill Belichick took over in 2000, the Patriots have never drafted a receiver in the first round. The team’s struggles with developing young receivers have been well documented. The Pats came close in 2016 with Malcolm Mitchell, but a knee injury derailed his career.

Before that, names like Aaron Dobson, Josh Boyce, Taylor Price, Brandon Tate, Chad Jackson and Bethel Johnson were drafted in the first four rounds, but failed to stick around. The team's biggest success came in Julian Edelman (seventh round, 2009), Deion Branch (second round, 2002) and David Givens (seventh round, 2002).

Edelman is the Patriots' top receiver, but turns 33 this offseason. The names behind him lack previous NFL success – Phillip Dorsett, Maurice Harris, Bruce Ellington, Braxton Berrios and Damoun Patterson. Josh Gordon is still suspended and a question mark.

It’s up to the Patriots to correct their previous draft wrongs and try to find success with a young receiver (or two) in the draft. They need a successor for Edelman. Perhaps, it’s Berrios, last year’s sixth-rounder, but this draft has several talented slot receivers. The Pats could also use an outside receiver with Rob Gronkowski retired and Gordon in limbo.

Will Belichick finally draft a receiver in the first round? The Patriots currently hold 12 draft picks, in every round expect the fifth. Here’s a look at some candidates:

First round: A.J. Brown, Ole Miss

Brown’s a 6-foot, 226-pounder who has good size for someone who plays in the slot. He’s an outstanding athlete, drafted by the San Diego Padres as an outfielder in 2016. At Old Miss, he turned into an All-American and All-SEC first-team selection. Brown led the SEC with 1,320 receiving yards to go with 85 catches and six touchdowns. Brown met with the Patriots at his Pro Day and visited.

Second round candidate: Parris Campbell, Ohio State

A gadget player at Ohio State, Campbell is an otherworld athlete with 4.31 speed. A 6-feet, 205 pounds, he profiles as a slot receiver and return man. Last season, he caught 90 passes for 1,063 yards and 13 touchdowns. He averaged 30.4 yards per kickoff return in college and was also used on jet sweep-type runs. The Patriots were at Campbell’s Pro Day.

Third round: Miles Boykin, Notre Dame

Boykin is a 6-4 outside-the-numbers threat with all the measureables. He tested really well at the NFL Combine. Last year, he led Notre Dame with 59 catches for 872 yards and eight touchdowns. Boykin is raw, but his potential is high when you consider his size and athleticism. Boykin has a visit with the Patriots and the team was at his Pro Day.

Fourth round: Mecole Hardman, Georgia

A newcomer at the receiver position, Hardman is raw, but explosive with 4.33 speed.. He started playing receiver two years ago. Last season he caught 35 passes for 543 yards and seven touchdowns. He’s one of the best returners in college. Hardman averaged 20.1 yards per punt and 25.2 yards per return last season. Hardman had a visit with the Patriots and Bill Belichick was at his Pro Day.

Sixth round: Gary Jennings, West Virginia

Jennings is a 6-foot-1 receiver who was productive at West Virginia. Last season, he finished with 917 yards and 13 touchdowns. He had had 1,096 yards as a junior. Jennings can play inside and out of the numbers. He also has experience as a punt and kickoff returner. Athletically, he hits almost every mark the Patriots look for. Jennings met with the Patriots at his Pro Day.

Seventh round: Stanley Morgan Jr., Nebraska

He’s not related to Patriots legend Stanley Morgan, but this Morgan can hold his own. He can play in the slot and outside the numbers. Morgan’s also a savvy route runner, who became the first 1,000 receiver in Nebraska history, breaking his own school record with 1,004 yards to go with 70 catches and seven touchdowns. The Patriots met with Morgan at the Combine.