The New England Patriots are likely going to need to acquire pass-catchers. Julian Edelman, 31, is the only receiver set to return, with the rest heading for free agency. Rob Gronkowski, the team’s only proven pass-catching tight end, is considering retirement. The Patriots may need receivers to contribute right away, and it wouldn’t hurt to stash a younger receiver for development.
Lucky for New England, the 2019 NFL Draft class boasts a handful of talented receivers who would fill well in the slot role for the Patriots. Before we jump into this list, I’d like to clarify that these receivers aren’t limited to a slot role. Many are capable of playing inside and outside in New England’s offense, much like Julian Edelman has done in recent years. But any one of these players could become Edelman’s replacement.
First or second round selections
- Deebo Samuel, WR, South Carolina: He has drawn praise for his silky route-running and physicality. Both qualities combine in ways that get Samuel open often. During the Senior Bowl, his feistiness allowed him to fight through heavy physicality, often dwelling in what would be a penalty in the NFL.
- Parris Campbell, WR, Ohio State: He’s a two-time captain, and an all-around good kid. What’s more, he contributed in college on all four downs, serving as a returner on special teams. His final college season was his lone example of big production, when he logged 90 receptions for 1,063 yards and 12 touchdowns.
- Marquise Brown, WR, Oklahoma: He was rated to be a mid first-rounder before undergoing a foot surgery, according to ESPN. He should be ready for training camp, but there’s no saying where he’ll fall in the draft. Perhaps he’ll fall to the Patriots at 32. Perhaps he’ll fall further. Regardless, Brown is probably more of an outside receiver than any of the others in this list. But the Patriots could make his slippery speed work inside.
Next up: Mid or late-round picks
Mid or late-round picks
- Andy Isabella, WR, University of Massachusetts: Isabella’s stock is rocketing upward. He was anything but a known commodity heading into the draft process. After a strong showing at the Senior Bowl, he’s drawing the attention of the media and, surely, the attention of many NFL teams. That hype might get off the rails, and Isabella, who was once pegged for the fourth or fifth round, could fly up a few team’s boards to a third-rounder. The Patriots don’t reach. Would that level of stock inflation qualify? Regardless, Isabella has a wide running style, which seems to allow him to change direction quickly along with breaking tackles like a running back. He’s a strong and physical route runner.
- Hunter Renfrow, WR, Clemson: When he had an incredible performance in the slot during the National Championship in 2017, Twitter users pegged Renfrow as the next Patriots’ slot receiver. That said, Renfrow’s production has never wowed one a season to season level. His best year came in 2017 when he had 60 receptions for 602 yards and three touchdowns. He’s the truest slot receiver of the bunch, and has shown a knack for stepping up in big games. In his first two college seasons, his season-highs came against Alabama in the national championship game.
