The 2026 NFL season has yet to arrive, but anticipation over the 2027 NFL Draft is already ruminating this spring.

The New England Patriots executed their plan in this year’s draft by addressing their offensive line and their defense on the edge. The Patriots also did a sound job of making the right moves in the open market, setting them up for another season with Super Bowl expectations in 2026. However, who they’ll take in the draft next year is up for speculation way ahead of time.

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According to CBS Sports’ Mike Renner, the Patriots select Indiana wide receiver Charlie Becker with the No. 26 overall pick in next year’s draft.

“Charlie Becker went from backup to Fernando Mendoza’s favorite target over the course of the 2025 season,” Renner said. “He offers an exceptional blend of size, speed and ball skills. On 34 catches last year, he didn’t drop a single pass, making him an ideal deep threat for Drake Maye.”

The Patriots replaced Stefon Diggs with Romeo Doubs in free agency. New England is expected to trade for Philadelphia Eagles star wideout A.J. Brown in June, and add him to one of the deepest receiving corps in the NFL alongside Doubs, Mack Hollins and DeMario Douglas. That’s not to mention Kayshon Boutte, who New England has the option to retain for next season after his strong showing in 2025.

Becker recorded 679 receiving yards and four touchdowns in 2025 for the Hoosiers. He led the Big Ten in yards per reception last season with 20.

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Patriots quarterback Drake Maye is a volume passer with the arm talent to get the ball down the field with precision, making New England a favorable environment for Becker. The Patriots’ wide receiver room has the potential to look much different in the next month, which will factor into how much they will need another receiver in the draft next year. However, Becker is a noteworthy prospect for the Patriots to consider when the time comes.

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This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Patriots draft one of Fernando Mendoza’s favorite targets in 2027 mock