2018 NFL draft: Patriots reportedly held private meeting with Penn State wide receiver DaeSean Hamilton

The New England Patriots are entering the month of the NFL draft with a deep overall roster and only a few spots still in need of reinforcements. But while the team will likely turn to the draft to bolster its depth at offensive tackle, linebacker and backup quarterback, the wide receiver position appears to be set as it is: New England currently has 10 wideouts under contract with no more than seven projected to ultimately make the team.

Despite that, the Patriots are still looking at draft prospects at the wide receiver position – one of which being Penn State's DaeSean Hamilton. According to NEPatriotsDraft.com's Mike Loyko, the team held a private meeting with the 23-year old:

According to a source #Patriots WR Coach Chad O’Shea met privately with Penn State WR DaeSean Hamilton during Penn State’s Pro Day.

The redshirt senior is coming off a productive four-year playing career at Penn State and averaged 53.5 catches, 710.5 receiving yards and 4.5 touchdowns per season. The 6'0, 200 lbs pass catcher, who led the Nittany Lions in receiving yardage (857) and touchdown receptions (9) in 2017, is projected to be selected in the middle rounds during the draft and has the tools to become an effective slot receiver at the next level.

While the Patriots, as noted above, are deep at the wide receiver position, the team needs to find a way to replace Danny Amendola in the lineup. The veteran was one of Tom Brady's most trusted receivers over the past five seasons but left New England to join the Miami Dolphins via free agency. A player like Hamilton would help mitigate the loss and would bring strong route running and an ability to create yards after the catch to the table.

Even though the Patriots are not expected to be in the market for a wide receiver early in the draft, a mid-round option like Hamilton would be an intriguing addition – and a player who would challenge depth options Malcolm Mitchell and Phillip Dorsett for playing time.