Chad Reuter’s 2026 NFL Mock Draft Has New England Patriots Taking WR In Round 3

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One of the top NFL draft experts in the space, Chad Reuter, just came out with an updated, five-round 2026 NFL mock draft. In round three, Reuter had the New England Patriots going with one of the more intriguing wide receiver prospects in this class.

The Patriots aren’t getting a ton of draft coverage at this point, which is a good thing. New England holds pick No. 31 as a result of making it to the Super Bowl in 2025. At the same time, there’s work to be done as they would rather have pick No. 32.

Even with the Patriots having a strong run in the 2025 season, they need some help across the board. One of the spots includes wide receiver.

In this mock draft from Reuter, he has New England going with Bryce Lance at pick No. 95.

Key Facts:

• Team: New England Patriots

• 2025 Record: 14-3

• 2026 NFL Draft Picks (Days 1 & 2): 31, 63 & 95

Does Bryce Lance Fit With the New England Patriots?

As for why the Patriots need a wide receiver, we talked about this briefly when reacting to a selection from a PFF mock draft:

“Even after adding Romeo Doubs on a four-year deal worth 68 million dollars, that really just takes care of losing Diggs.

That said, last year Drake Maye was playing at an elite level, making receivers look better than they really are.”

That mock draft had New England going with a wide receiver in round one, with the player being Denzel Boston. When looking at Lance versus Boston, the two have somewhat similar archetypes.

Both are outside receivers, with Lance coming in at 6’3”, 204 lbs compared to Boston at 6’4”, 212 lbs. Right now, the Patriots are heading into 2026 with Romeo Doubs, Kayshon Boutte, Mack Hollins, and Kyle Williams.

This is a group of good but not great players, and it’s also worth noting that Hollins is now 32 years old. With Hollins being 6’4”, 221 lbs, having Lance to replace him is in play for his floor.

That also leaves us with one more question. What makes more sense, going with a wide receiver in round one or round three?

Should the New England Patriots Draft Bryce Lance?

Lance is a fantastic vertical threat, with traits that should translate to the NFL.

As an athlete, Lance ran a 4.34 40-yard dash along with a number of other fantastic testing numbers at the NFL combine. That size and speed combination should appeal to a number of NFL teams.

Christian Watson Bryce Lance
6’4″ Height 6’3″
208 Weight 204
4.36s 40 4.34s
38.5″ Vert 41.5″

Shoutout to North Dakota State’s training staff 🫡 pic.twitter.com/w0JwHljN1A

— Underdog (@Underdog) March 1, 2026

Outside of that, Lance is going to get knocked because he played at North Dakota State, but I was a big fan of his tape regardless. Sure, Lance wasn’t the most polished route runner, but it’s not as if he’s incredibly raw either.

As for what draft strategy the Patriots should take, going with Boston is still the best option to me. Boston ranks 27th on my big board, compared to Lance at 100.

The New England Patriots need a legitimate WR1, and I’m not sure it’s realistic to expect that out of Lance. With Boston, I see him as a player who doesn’t have the upside of Jordyn Tyson, but he could be a quality WR1 in the NFL.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bryce Lance Age?

Bryce Lance is 23 years old.

Bryce Lance Stats?

Lance had 51 catches for 1,079 yards and eight touchdowns in 2025.

Bryce Lance College?

Lance played at North Dakota State this past year.

New England Patriots Round 1 Pick?

In round one, the New England Patriots hold pick No. 31.

Chad Reuter’s 2026 NFL Mock Draft Has New England Patriots Taking WR In Round 3

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