Tre Nixon is one of the New England Patriots’ more special draft picks in recent years.
The UCF wide receiver was hand-picked by Ernie Adams in the seventh round at pick No. 242 this year. Adams, 68, announced it would be his last draft after spending the last 20 years as the research director for the Patriots. Nixon was Adams’ parting gift and it left a significant impact from every angle.
While speaking with reporters following Thursday’s OTA session, Nixon discussed the special moment in April.
“Still to this day, I get chills going back and watching that video,” Nixon said, transcribed by WEEI. “It’s funny because Ernie, the day 1 when I reported here, he was one of the first people I saw in the building. So, I instantly smiled, introduced myself, he introduced his self and ever since then, I’m in his debt. I owe him a lot. I really respect that dude.”
When it comes to the transition to the NFL, Nixon said his head has been spinning. He dove a little deeper and broke down the influential people he’s been around so far in Foxborough.
“It’s definitely different from college. I’ll tell you that,” Nixon said. “More complex but with the teammates and coaches I have, the veterans, Mac (Jones), Cam (Newton), (Jarrett) Stidham, I feel like they’ve done a really good job with helping me catch up to speed, because one of the biggest things they say is you don’t want to get left behind. So, I’ve got to stay ahead, and guys are doing a good job pushing me and getting all of the knowledge I can.”
Nixon has a long road ahead this offseason, but he could be the next late-round pick to grind his way to the 53-man roster.
