FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Quick-hit thoughts and notes around the New England Patriots and NFL:
1. More WR picks: Coach Bill Belichick’s history of selecting wide receivers in the draft — with the misfire on 2019 first-round pick N’Keal Harry the most recent log on the fire — is annually a hot-button topic at this time on the NFL calendar.
It isn’t all bad. But it could be a lot better.
And a case could be made that the reason it isn’t better is right before Belichick’s eyes, with the upcoming NFL draft (April 28-30, ESPN) — along with the dramatic, shifting financial landscape among top veteran receivers — making the timing right to prioritize drafting more receivers.
Consider that since Belichick arrived in New England in 2000, he’s selected just 18 receivers in the draft. That is tied for the fifth-lowest total over that span and doesn’t take into account that six of those receivers were picked in the seventh/final round, and one is a special-teams-only option (Matthew Slater).
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The Ravens (30), Bengals (30) and Packers (29) have drafted the most receivers since 2000, with Green Bay viewed by many as one of the most impressive teams when it comes to developing prospects at the position. The Steelers (23), just above the league average of 22.5, are also widely regarded as excellent.
The Patriots’ acquisition of DeVante Parker in a trade last week might lessen the immediate need for a receiver, but there is still a future void to consider with Jakobi Meyers and Nelson Agholor scheduled for unrestricted free agency, and Kendrick Bourne another solid season away from possibly being in position to request a pay raise himself.
Then consider the recent run of big-money extensions for receivers creating sticker shock for some around the NFL — Davante Adams…
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