The 2026 NFL Draft may have just wrapped up, but it's never too early to start thinking about the next wave of talent coming to the league. ESPN's Jordan Reid has already released a 2027 mock draft, and he sees the New England Patriots adding a Big Ten playmaker to support quarterback Drake Maye.

Reid projects the Patriots selecting Indiana wide receiver Nick Marsh with the 25th overall pick. Marsh, a transfer from Michigan State, is stepping into a key role for the Hoosiers this season. At 6-foot-3 and 203 pounds, he brings a physical presence that's reminiscent of a first-round talent like the Jets' star receiver. According to Reid, Marsh excels in the short to intermediate passing game, using his strength to create separation on in-breaking routes and showing impressive competitiveness after the catch.

"Marsh plays with the feeling he can score every time he gets the ball," Reid noted. With Patriots receivers Mack Hollins and Kayshon Boutte both set to hit free agency, adding a dynamic target like Marsh could be exactly what New England needs to keep Maye's supporting cast strong.

Of course, there's a twist to this prediction. The Patriots are reportedly in talks to acquire Eagles star wideout A.J. Brown, and that deal could involve sending their 2027 first-round pick to Philadelphia. Even if they manage to keep the pick, New England might opt to address a different position in the first round rather than drafting another receiver, especially if Brown joins the roster.

For now, though, Patriots fans can dream about a future where Drake Maye has both an established star like Brown and a promising young playmaker like Marsh to target. The 2027 draft is still a long way off, but the foundation for a potent offense could already be taking shape.