Patriots Draft Primer – Wide Receiver

Today kicks off our new segment titled “Patriots Draft Primer” that will focus in on a highlighted position of need leading up to the April 29^th NFL Draft. We begin with the Wide Receiver position.

Where we stand:

News broke today that Julian Edelman is doubtful to play a full 2021 season due to his knee injury. Even if he sees some field time Julian is a shell of his former self. The wear and tear of injuries from being Brady’s security blanket over the years is taking its toll. I wouldn’t be shocked to see Edelman hang them due to this.

Aside from Edelman the WR room consists of:

Nelson Agholor
Kendrick Bourne
N’Keal Harry
Jakobi Meyers
Gunner Olszewski
Devin Smith
Isaiah Zuber
Kristian Wilkerson
Matthew Slater (Primarily Special Teams and a blocking decoy)

What we need:

The two traits that this Wideout group lacks are a speed deep threat to take the top off the defense and a big bodied receiver not named N’Keal Harry.

Lets first address the need for speed. The Patriots have been one of the slower wideout groups in the NFL over the past decade. It is almost as if Belichick is afraid of speed. In a league where offenses are spreading wide receivers out and passing more than ever it is fair to say that speed kills. Just take a look at the Chiefs, Bucs, Cowboys, or Falcons Wideout rooms that are laced with speed. The Patriots have also struggled to gain separation which can be solved be increasing our WR speed. They partially addressed this with the addition of Agholor, but I would like to see another piece. Speed depth is crucial in building an offense that is a threat. The chiefs for example have arguably the top WR in the NFL with Tyreek Hill. Surrounding Hill’s speed they had burners in Sammy Watkins, Mecole Hardman, and Byron Pringle who all had around or below 4.4 speed. This speed depth helps create mismatches against lesser cornerbacks and has the defense secondary always on their heels thinking deep.

Next let’s look at the need for a big bodied WR. N’Keal Harry has the size at 6-3 225 pounds but is afraid to use it. The man is bigger than the majority of secondary players in the NFL, yet he goes down so easily on end around carries when a 6-foot corner back attempts an arm tackle while falling down off the block. There is no excuse for this. Harry should be breaking these using his frame and muscle every time. It leads me to believe that this is a mental battle with Harry more than anything else. Harry has been the discussion of numerous trade talks, but in all honesty, I believe the Patriots hold on to him for one more year. His value potential exceeds the 4^th or 5^th rounder we will receive in return. The Patriots may defer on this style of WR given the two big Tight Ends they just signed in Free Agency, but it is still worth taking a look at.

Draft Options:

There are 65+ realistic WR options in this year’s NFL draft. Expect the Patriots to double dip on the WR position in some way during the 7 rounds. Here are some fits that would work in the Patriots system.

Elijah Moore – 2^nd Round Grade – Ole Miss

Balanced WR with the 4.35 speed that we need. Great acceleration and control with his cuts. Only one drop on 101 targets in 2020. Knows when to break contact to fight for extra yards and when to get down. Lacks NFL WR height at 5-9, not a great blocker, struggles winning contested battles. Has positional versatility that the Patriots love.

Dyami Brown – 2^nd to 3^rd Round Grade – UNC

Great speed at 4.44 and has a killer double move. NFL release and can find separation. Big play threat and is a catch and go type. Needs to work on his strength and be careful pushing off when the ball is coming his way.

Amon Ra St. Brown – 2^nd to 3^rd Round Grade – USC

Built out of granite which comes from his bodybuilding bloodlines and brothers who play in the NFL. Polished route runner with sure hands. High motor and loves to compete. Team captain and a leader. Lacks top end height and speed. Could struggle against press corners off the line. The next level up from a Jakobi Meyers, but that type of WR. Could be too much of an overlap with Kendrick Bourne.

Tylan Wallace – 2^nd to 3^rd Round Grade – Oklahoma State

Great at contested catches and has excellent awareness. High body control and catch radius. Knee injury concern.

D’Wayne Eskridge – 3^rd Round Grade – Western Michigan

Burner with 4.39 speed. Great initial burst off the line and finds the ball even if it is not the best throw. Can play multiple positions on special teams. High level of production. Was able to draw an abnormal number of flags from opposing defenders. Must expand his route tree portfolio.

Tutu Atwell – 3^rd Round Grade – Louisville

Perhaps the fastest WR in this year’s draft class possessing 4.3 speed. True vertical threat that finds a way to win over the top. Someone who can be that “top off the defense” threat for the Patriots. Big play threat after the catch. Undersized at 5-8 and lacks the strength to break contact in the NFL.

Cade Johnson – 4^th Round Grade – South Dakota State

Cade projects as someone who can play the same role as Edelman for the Patriots. A big competitor who isn’t afraid to play across the middle. Always sees the ball into his body on the catch. Walk on mentality and tough. Needs to improve reading defenses. Lacks high level experience.

Shi Smith – 4^th Round Grade – South Carolina

Another speedster (4.43) who is great out of his breaks and often wins based of his acceleration. Natural ability throughout the play. Can go up and snatch the ball. 4-year starter. Needs to find more consistency.

Seth Williams – 4^th Round Grade – Auburn

The length at the Patriots need (6-3) who is great with 50/50 balls. Strong and physical. Power moves after the catch. Plays to the sticks. Red Zone threat. Solid production. Average speed (4.49). Needs to improve working off of press coverage. Needs to find more consistency and not give up on his routes which often leads to coasting. Could struggle to find separation unless he improves his burst and suddenness. True possession type receiver.

Josh Palmer – 4^th Round Grade – Tennessee

Mix of size and speed with a vertical threat. 4-year starter but lacked a high level of production (awful QB play). Good hands (only 4 drops on 164 targets in college), but needs to improve his after the yard ability and explosiveness.

Anthony Schwartz – 5^th Round Grade – Auburn

4.25 speed that plays strong underneath and is always a threat to go deep. Able to turn short catches into big games. Finds vertical separation. Needs to add build to his frame. Must develop into a more complete WR adding more weapons to his belt. 77% of his receiving yards came after the catch.

Cornell Powell – 4^th to 5^th Round Grade – Clemson  

Good footwork, eyes, tracking ability, and adjustments. A true balanced WR. Lacks a burst of explosiveness to gain separation. Only one season of production. Will not install fear into NFL corners. Great comparison of Mohammed Sanu.

Josh Imatorbhebhe – Undrafted – Illinois

USC transfer with a basketball background that allows him to highpoint the ball. Fights after the catch. Has good arm length that allows him to snag the ball. Limited production given his limited field time early on during his career. More of a project.

Ihmir Smith Marsette – 7^th Round to Undrafted Grade – Iowa

Great speed (4.47) that finds his way vertically. Great change of speed. Plays to the first down marker. Needs to add muscle to his frame. Struggles playing through contact. A few minor off the field/character issues. Special teams ability. I think this can be our Byron Pringle depth piece that can contribute with speed off the bench while he continues to develop.