Wide receiver was the Patriots’ biggest need heading into the draft. So it’s no surprise that the Patriots have spent a second-round pick and a fourth-round pick on a wide receiver.
At pick No. 59 New England selected Marshall’s Aaron Dobson (pictured), and at pick No. 102 New England selected TCU’s Josh Boyce.
The 6-foot-3, 210-pound Dobson gained a reputation as a sure-handed receiver in college, and he had a very impressive Senior Bowl week. Patriots coach Bill Belichick indicated that he expects Dobson to play well as a rookie.
“He’s big, he’s fast, he’s got good hands, he’s a strong player; smart, very smart,” Belichick said. “He has some position flexibility and versatility. Catches the ball very well.”
The 5-foot-11, 206-pound Boyce is viewed as a good slot receiver whose stock may have slipped because of a foot injury in 2012. Both he and Dobson should compete for significant playing time on a team that needed help at wide receiver.
