A continuing series looking at how the Patriots could fill needed positions in the NFL Draft from April 26 to 28.
Even after dealing away Brandin Cooks on Tuesday night, the Patriots still are well-stocked at the wide receiver position. Even after losing Danny Amendola in free agency, the depth chart is full of veterans, with eight true receivers on the current roster.
In the NFL, however, you can never have too much depth. Although the Patriots are very deep at [...]
A continuing series looking at how the Patriots could fill needed positions in the NFL Draft from April 26 to 28.
Even after dealing away Brandin Cooks on Tuesday night, the Patriots still are well-stocked at the wide receiver position. Even after losing Danny Amendola in free agency, the depth chart is full of veterans, with eight true receivers on the current roster.
In the NFL, however, you can never have too much depth. Although the Patriots are very deep at the receiver to start the 2018 season, the squad has very little long-term depth at the position.
At the moment, Chris Hogan, Phillip Dorsett, Kenny Britt and Cordarrelle Patterson are all in the final year of their contracts. Julian Edelman and Malcolm Mitchell are signed only through 2019. Riley McCarron and Cody Hollister will be exclusive-rights free agents next year.
The contract landscape of the receiver position is one reason why the team may look to add another player in the upcoming NFL Draft. The best way to get long-term depth is to draft a player, who instantly comes into the NFL with a cheap four-year deal.
The Patriots also lack a true slot receiver. They have players who can play the position (Edelman and Hogan) but losing Amendola leaves a hole in the offense.
The Pats have been connected to more than a dozen receivers in the predraft process, which would suggest they’re at least thinking about adding another wideout. They currently hold eight draft picks, including two first-round picks. Here’s a look at some candidates:
First-round candidate: D.J. Moore, Maryland
Moore set a school record with 80 receptions last year to go with 1,033 yards and eight touchdowns. The 6-foot receiver also has special-teams value. He was Maryland’s punt returner last year and kickoff returner before that. Moore has short-area quickness that suggests he could play in the slot. He’s scheduled to take a predraft visit with the Patriots.
Second-round candidate: Christian Kirk, Texas A&M
Kirk is an explosive athlete. He finished with 71 catches for 919 yards and 10 scores last season. He’s also an accomplished punt returner with six career punt-return touchdowns. He also led the nation in yards per punt return in 2015 and 2016. At 5-foot-10, he’d be ideal for the slot. He has a visit lined up with the Patriots, who also had scouts at his Pro Day.
Third-round candidate: Keke Coutee, Texas Tech
Coutee was outstanding last year, catching 93 passes for 1,429 yards and 10 touchdowns. The 5-foot-11-inch receiver was a solid deep threat for Texas Tech and also can play in the slot. He’s also an accomplished kickoff returner, averaging 31.5 yards per return and scoring one touchdown in 2017. Coutee reportedly had an informal meeting with the Patriots at the Combine.
Sixth-round candidate: Braxton Berrios, Miami
Standing at 5 feet 9 inches, Berrios looks the part of a slot receiver. Last year, he caught 55 passes for 679 yards and nine touchdowns, which led Miami. He also provides special-teams value as a punt returner, averaging 15.9 yards per return in 2017. He will graduate with a near-perfect GPA after double-majoring in finance and entrepreneurship. Bill Belichick was at his Pro Day.
Seventh-round candidate: Trey Quinn, SMU
Quinn was fantastic for SMU after transferring from LSU. He caught 114 passes for 1,236 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2017. His 114 receptions led the entire NCAA. He stands 6 feet tall and has experience playing both inside and outside the numbers. Quinn has experience in the return game. He comes from a football family as his grandfather was a college head coach. He met with the Patriots at the Combine.