After a 4-13 season with a rookie quarterback and a rookie head coach, it is evident that the New England Patriots need upgrades on both sides of the football.

They particularly need a playmaking receiver who can step onto the field and instantly become a focal point of the offense, and Athlon Sports’ Luke Easterling has them selecting a player of that caliber in his latest draft projection.

Easterling has New England drafting Jayden Higgins from Iowa State with one of its two third-round picks. At 6-foot-4 and 215 pounds, Higgins has a large frame and is capable of going up and getting any ball thrown in his direction.

In his senior season, Higgins stood out, hauling 87 catches for 1,183 yards and nine touchdowns. His number of catches and number of yards were both good for 10th best in all of college football.

He instantly became quarterback Drake Maye’s favorite target and a go-to option when he needed a big play. The Patriots struggled significantly in the passing game, as their leading receiver was tight end Hunter Henry with 674 yards.

New England had only two receivers surpassing 500 yards: DeMario Douglas (621 yards) and Kayshon Boutte (589 yards).

Higgins’ addition wouldn’t make the Patriots contenders, but it would give New England an exciting QB-WR duo for at least the next three to four seasons.