The New England Patriots passed on drafting a wide receiver in the 2026 NFL Draft, despite a clear need at the position. But if an early mock draft for 2027 is any indication, they're already planning ahead—and targeting a familiar SEC standout.

According to CBS Sports' Ryan Wilson, the Patriots are projected to select Alabama wide receiver Ryan Coleman-Williams with the No. 24 overall pick in a way-too-early 2027 mock draft. Coleman-Williams, a former First-Team All-SEC selection, brings a blend of experience and upside that could make him a perfect fit in New England's evolving offense.

"Coleman-Williams' tape in 2025 looked nothing like what we all witnessed during his freshman season in '24," Wilson noted. "If he can return to that player, he'll have a chance to be a top-10 pick and battle Jeremiah Smith for WR1."

Last season at Alabama, Coleman-Williams posted 689 receiving yards and four touchdowns on 49 receptions—a slight dip from his explosive freshman campaign, where he racked up 865 yards and eight scores on 48 catches. That early production earned him All-SEC honors and put him on the radar of scouts nationwide.

The Patriots are reportedly in talks to trade for Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown this offseason. If that deal falls through, New England will need a reliable volume receiver to fill the void. With Kayshon Boutte entering the final year of his contract in 2026 and surfacing in trade rumors this offseason, the timing couldn't be better for a young pass-catcher like Coleman-Williams to emerge as a long-term solution.

Whether or not the Brown trade materializes, the Patriots are clearly keeping their options open—and Coleman-Williams is a name to watch long before draft day arrives.