New England Patriots are all-in on supporting Drake Maye after NFL Draft intel reveals top-30 visit with underrated playmaker

The New England Patriots replaced their top WR Stefon Diggs by signing Romeo Doubs in free agency, but they clearly weren’t finished supporting Drake Maye after scheduling a top-30 visit with a dynamic WR in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Josh Taylor — Washington Commanders News Writer
Add as preferred source on Google
Feb 27, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Mississippi wideout De’Zhaun Stribling (WO35) speaks to members of the media during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. © Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images

The New England Patriots are looking to pick up where the season ended in the Super Bowl and build for long-term success instead of a one-year splash season.

They were active in free agency by adding more talent, such as Dre’Mont Jones, Alijah Vera-Tucker, and another playmaker for QB Drake Maye. After releasing Stefon Diggs, the Patriots signed Romeo Doubs to a four-year, $70 million deal to pick up the production lost.

The Patriots aren’t done yet, however, and they’re bringing in an underrated WR prospect for a top-30 visit who could boost the offense even more.

The Patriots are set to host WR De’Zhaun Stribling for a top-30 visit

The 2026 NFL Draft is just about three weeks away, and the Patriots have 11 draft picks to work with. That’s a ton of ammo to make major moves, such as trading for star WR A.J Brown, but also drafting the future of the franchise. The Patriots have been doing their homework on top NFL Draft prospects to narrow their big board, including WR De’Zhaun Stribling, who is a playmaker ready to take over the league.

Stribling told Justin Melo in an interview with NFL Draft on SI that he has a top-30 visit lined up with several teams, including the Patriots.

Stribling could turn into a productive weapon for Maye and the offense, and don’t be surprised when he’s taken much higher than expected.

The Patriots should draft De’Zhaun Stribling

Stribling is currently projected to go in the fourth round of the NFL Draft, but he should go well ahead of others in front of him, and could be an option for teams as early as the start of the third round. He’s a 6-2, 207-pound WR who dominates at the catch point with his body control, and his route running is underrated.

Stribling should be a quick riser after putting up a 9.88 Relative Athletic Score with a 4.36 40-yard dash at his size. He would instantly become a big-play threat for Maye as he averaged 17 yards per catch in 2025 and a drop rate of just 1.8% as well.

I see a thinner A.J. Brown in his game, and it’s not just because of the Ole Miss jersey, so even if they can’t trade for the superstar, they could draft a WR who has some of his traits. The Patriots may have to draft Stribling with their No. 95 overall pick if they want him, and he’s well worth it.