New Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien wants a brand new toy for the offense. And not simply any toy.
The Patriots don’t at present have a risk of their passing recreation that defenses worry.
Having that type of offensive weapon has change into a should if a crew is severe about being a contender.
Both the Chiefs and Eagles, this yr’s Super Bowl combatants, have not less than a type of weapons. So do the Bengals and 49ers, their opponents within the AFC and NFC championship video games respectively.
The Patriots?
They’re nonetheless trying.
They have DeVante Parker, Kendrick Bourne and 2022 second-round choose Tyquan Thornton as the first receivers below contract, with Jakobi Meyers and Nelson Agholor headed to free company.
Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith are the tight ends.
The group isn’t dangerous, but it surely’s missing that one stud who’ll draw added consideration and make Mac Jones’ life slightly simpler.
Barring a commerce, the draft may also help resolve the issue. Last yr, six wideouts have been taken within the first spherical. And choosing at No. 14, there are a number of interesting choices who may very well be obtainable in that spot.
With the NFL’s Scouting Combine on faucet subsequent week, listed here are the names to know.
Quentin Johnston, TCU
He’s 6-foot-4, 215 kilos and the kind of explosive outside-the-numbers large play risk the Patriots crave.
He’s a former basketball and monitor star whose athleticism is off the charts. He’s a downfield playmaker who routinely comes away with jaw-dropping catches in visitors.
In the school soccer semifinal versus Michigan, he had six catches for 163 yards and a landing.
With quarterbacks and offensive tackles probably going off the board early, it’s doable Johnston, thought-about the highest receiver within the class on many draft boards, might drop as little as 14.
Jordan Addison, USC
Was a two-year contributor at Pitt earlier than transferring to USC. His greatest match is probably going as a slot receiver, and he initiatives as a game-changing weapon in that spot. He packs loads of toughness and feistiness in his 6-0, 175-pound body.
Mac Jones would love Addison and his capability to constantly separate from protection irrespective of the place he strains up.
He’s a terrific route runner, has spectacular ball expertise, and possesses lightning-quick ft which permits him to win in any respect ranges of the sector.
Jalin Hyatt, Tennessee
He has the pace to take the highest off any protection. He’s an explosive participant who will get to prime pace rapidly.
He was a dominant participant within the SEC in his first-year as a full-time starter in 2022, so Bill O’Brien, who spent the previous two years at Alabama, ought to have good intel on him. He completed with over 1,200 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns.
He’s dynamic with the ball in his arms. He’s additionally performed virtually completely within the slot throughout his profession, and with Meyers headed to free company, might fill that function ought to the Patriots not re-sign their prime receiver.
Hyatt isn’t a lock to go within the first spherical, however given the league’s thirst for receivers and offensive weapons, he may not make it to the second spherical.
Zay Flowers, Boston College
If the Patriots didn’t see sufficient of him at Chestnut Hill, the teaching workers bought an excellent higher look throughout Shrine Bowl practices.
So they’ve a reasonably good beat on Flowers, who’s one other dynamic playmaker with game-changing pace who can separate on fast hitters and vertical routes.
His 5-foot-9, 182-pound body could also be a priority. But Miami’s Jaylen Waddle has performed simply nice at 5-10. Ditto Tyreek Hill.
Flowers is one other within the tweener class, that means he might go within the first or second spherical, the place the Patriots are choosing at No. 46.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Ohio State
He’s an elite route-runner, who whereas not a pace demon nonetheless creates loads of separation because of his quickness and explosiveness off the road.
He’s made his residing within the slot, with nice begin/cease talents and prowess in brief areas. He was a big-time chain mover for the Buckeyes, which actually wouldn’t damage Jones transferring ahead.
He comes from a loaded offense, however that shouldn’t diminish his superior skillset and skill to get open within the execs.
Source: www.bostonherald.com