N’Keal Harry gives the Patriots some much needed size on the perimeter.
The Patriots re-tooled their receiving corp this off-season. Bill Belichick used a first round pick on Arizona State receiver N’Keal Harry and added several veteran free agents including Demaryius Thomas and Dontrelle Inman. The Patriots also re-signed Phillip Dorsett and gave Julian Edelman an extension.
Here is a break down of the six receivers we think will be in contention to make the team.
Julian Edelman: Edelman was once again Tom Brady’s go to target last season, particularly in the post season. Edelman is second to Jerry Rice in post season receptions and he added to his reputation as one of the best playoff receivers of all time with another strong post season.
The Patriots rewarded Edelman with a two year, $18 million dollar extension this off-season. $12 million of that is guaranteed. The deal keeps Edelman in Foxboro until the 2021 season. Edelman has been underpaid for a long time when you look at his production throughout his career.
Edelman has been out of training camp nursing a thumb injury but he should be back for the regular season opener September 8th against the Steelers.
N’Keal Harry: The Rookie out of Arizona State gives the Patriots some much needed size on the perimeter. At 6-4 225, he can create match ups one on one, particularly in the red zone. Harry has strong hands and displays terrific body control in one on one situations. After a slow start in training camp, Harry is starting to get comfortable and has the look of a number one receiver.
Phillip Dorsett: The Patriots surprisingly re-signed Dorsett this past off-season. Dorsett has been inconsistent throughout his career but he started to turn things around at the end of last season and became a key contributor for the Patriots down the stretch.
Dorsett can play in the slot or outside depending on the personnel grouping and formation. That versatility and the potential to return kicks makes him valuable to this group.
Josh Gordon: Gordon has yet to be reinstated by the NFL for the 2019 season. When he was on the field last season, Gordon proved that he is a number one receiver by catching 40 passes for 720 yards and 3 touchdowns. The size, speed and skill set is freakish. If the Patriots get Gordon back this season, it would be a huge boast to this offense.
Jakobi Meyers: The Rookie undrafted free agent out of N.C State has turned heads this pre-season and has positioned himself to make the roster.
The knock on Meyers coming out of college was his lack of speed and explosiveness. That is why he did not get drafted. Meyers makes up for it however with a wide catch radius and terrific route running. He is an easy target for quarterbacks to find. Barring a down turn, Meyers should make the Patriots roster.
Braxton Berrios: Berrios missed all of last season due to injury but the diminutive slot receiver is back and could contribute in 10 personnel and as a punt returner. Berrios making the team will ultimately come down to how many receivers the Patriots want to carry.
Maurice Harris: Harris has terrific size and can win one on one high point battles but inconsistent hands and route running have hurt him in his career thus far. Harris has had a good camp but the emergence of Jakobi Meyers hurts his chances of making the team.
Matthew Slater: Slater is still the heart and soul of the Patriots special teams unit and an occasional contributor offensively. With that being said, if Slater has to play any meaningful snaps on offense this season, that means the Patriots are thin at the position.