The New England Patriots have put an emphasis on tall wide receivers this offseason, and their newest addition Dontrelle Inman fits this mold.
Inman is a 6-foot-3, 198 pound receiver that most recently played with the Indianapolis Colts. He will join a receiving corps that recently added N’Keal Harry and Demaryius Thomas to the mix. The Patriots added a total of seven wide receivers this offseason, and only one of them is shorter than 6 foot 2.
Inman has been in the NFL for five seasons and will provide a veteran presence within the locker room. Last season was a down year for him, after he recorded 28 receptions, 304 yards and three receiving touchdowns. His best season was in 2016, when he was able to haul in 58 catches, 810 yards and four touchdowns.
The addition of Inman will add real experience to the roster, because of the surplus of younger players that haven’t seen much time on the field. The most experienced players currently on the roster include Julian Edelman, Thomas and Josh Gordon — but Gordon isn’t is a lock to play. The Patriots have three undrafted free agents and a total of six players that haven’t seen more than two years in the league.
Colts head coach Frank Reich spent time with Inman in San Diego and in Indianapolis, and he had high praise for Inman’s contributions.
“This guy is just a pro,” Reich said. “We knew getting him in the building that we would not only get production from him, but leadership. He has really provided that. I mean he is a really stabilizing, calming influence in the receiver room. This guy has been there, done that and has seen a lot of ball. He’s got a great perspective, a great work ethic and then is a really smart and savvy football player. His contribution has gotten more and more significant. Andrew’s trust in him and appreciation for what Dontrelle brings to the table is really fun to see and hear. I mean just to hear Andrew talk about how that trust has grown, really, now he is looking for Dontrelle. He is looking for Dontrelle and looking for reasons to throw the ball to Dontrelle. So that has been huge.”
With Inman’s size, locker room presence and experience with top-tier quarterbacks, he should fit in immediately in New England.
