The New England Patriots haven't drafted a wide receiver in the first round of the NFL Draft since 1996, but the signing of Corey Coleman marks the 13th time New England has brought in a former first-round wideout in that timespan. The receivers have been a mix of veterans, underachievers, and top end talents.
THESE MOVES WORKED
- 2007-2010: Randy Moss (1998, 21st pick, MIN) - The Hall of Famer is by far the best receiver to land with the Pats. In 2007, he set the NFL record for most receiving touchdowns in a single season with 23. In each of his three seasons in New England, he posted 1,000+ yards.
- 2007, 2012: Donte Stallworth (2002, 13th pick, NO) - Stallworth was productive in 2007, catching 46 throws for 697 yards and three touchdowns. He had just one catch in 2012.
- 2017: Brandin Cooks (2014, 20th pick, NO) - Cooks was the best deep threat the Patriots had since Randy Moss. Last year, he logged his third 1,000-yard campaign in just his fourth pro season. The St. Louis Rams acquired him for a first and a sixth rounder last offseason.
THESE DIDN'T
- 2017: Kenny Britt (2009, 30th pick, TEN) - The Patriots acquired Britt last season but his playing time was limited while he learned the playbook. A preseason injury led to his release this summer.
- 2016: Michael Floyd (2012, 13th pick, ARI) - The Patriots took a flyer on Floyd after a DUI suspension with the Vikings. The former 1,000-yard receiver played in just two games and caught four passes.
- 2005: David Terrell (2001, 8th pick, SEA) - Terrell blamed bad quarterbacks for his underwhelming four years in Chicago, but even Tom Brady couldn't help him. He never appeared in a game with New England.
COULDN'T BEAT FATHER TIME
- 2003: J.J. Stokes (1995, 10th pick, SF) - New England was the final stop in Stokes' career. He had just two catches in two games.
- 2009: Joey Galloway (1995, 8th pick, SEA) - Galloway was 38 when he came to the Patriots and it showed. Over the span of three games, he had just seven catches.
- 2010: Torry Holt (1999, 6th pick, STL) - An injury led to Holt's release before he could play a snap. He never played in another NFL game.
- 2015: Reggie Wayne (2001, 30th pick, IND) - New England brought in Wayne, but it wasn't a good fit to say the least. Wayne asked for release due to a work environment that a source close to him said was "too tough" and "not fun."
THE JURY'S STILL OUT ON . . .
- 2018: Corey Coleman (2016, 15th pick, CLE) - Coleman had 56 receptions and 718 yards in his first two years with the Browns before asking for a trade this summer. The Buffalo Bills later released him. The Pats are taking a chance on the talented but underachieving receiver.
- 2018: Phillip Dorsett (2015, 29th pick, IND) - Dorsett had limited production in 15 games last season, but got off to a nice start this year with 7 catches, 66 yards and a touchdown in Week 1. His first-round talent was evident and he could prove a very nice piece this season.
- 2018: Cordarrelle Patterson (2013, 29th pick, MIN) - Patterson is a solid receiver, but his real value is in his returning. He had five touchdown returns in his first five seasons, which included two Pro Bowl appearances.