Calling out around the world, are you ready for a brand new beat? Summer's almost here and the time was right for The New England Patriots to sign Auburn receiver, Will Hastings as an undrafted free agent.
Hastings is a prototypical Patriots slot receiver at 5'10" 174 LBS. In 28 games he caught 56 balls for 845 yards and 6 touchdowns. Not an impressive stat line for a college career. While he didn't impress with his stats, he did have an impressive pro day according to Justin Trombino.
"In addition to having great footwork and skills, Hastings has the necessary speed — he ran a 4.49 40-yard-dash — to get behind the defense for a deep route. He also averaged 15.1 yards per reception for his career despite being a smaller receiver, and is reminiscent of the Houston Texans’ Will Fuller in this regard."
On top of his forty time, he had a 6.55 three cone, a 33" vertical, and a 4.03 shuttle time. Which is going to help on drag, flat, and quick slant passes from the slot.
The Patriots loaded up at the receiver position this offseason. So there is going to be a camp battle. Outside of Edelman and maybe Harry, I don't think anyone else is safe. Hastings will need to play like he's preparing for the superbowl if he wants to make the roster.
While Hastings has the skills the Patriots look for in their slot receivers, although he played two games at special teams; he does not have return experience. While he's waiting to report for camp, whether at Auburn or if he finds Jake Bailey; He needs to try to add that to his repertoire, to equal the playing field with the other undrafted free agents.
Lance Zierlein noted a previous ACL injury in 2018 but he had a few positive to describe Hastings. Mind you that injury is part of why Stidham's draft stick fell.
Zierlein wrote Hastings "Split low with low center of gravity, Makes rhythmic changes of direction on the move. Has burst to separate coming out of speed cuts, Short-area quickness and footwork are his strong suits. Alters route speed at appropriate times, Gets the ball upfield quickly after the catch. Adequate straight-line speed for a slot target, Recruited by four small schools as onside kick specialist."
Now like every other UDFA, I am sure he has his flaws but as Justin Trombino pointed out, he has one thing going for him the others just weren't fortunate enough to have.
"Stidham and Hastings were college teammates at Auburn and created great chemistry with each other in the process. They each had the best seasons of their college careers in 2017."
If the chemistry is still there, and If I were a grambling man, I would bet the Patriots are banking on it; He has a huge advantage over almost everyone other than Meyers, Harry and Edelman. I expect him to be practicing with the first team rather quickly.
After Hastings was signed Auburn coach Malzahn said "the interest from Pats coach and general manager Bill Belichick and his staff had been tangible since at least Auburn's 2019 season..."
The Patriots weren't the only team who had Interest. Matty P and Joe Judge were also interested in the Auburn Slot receiver.
"Gus Malzahn went out of his way to introduce Will Hastings to Lions coach Matt Patricia and Giants coach Joe Judge at Auburn’s Pro Day" according to Tom Green.
Two of Belichick's former disciples. I'm surprised not to read that Brian Flores wasn't there. Knowing that former Patriots coaches were there to scout a guy Belichick had interest in and signed, is telling of how good of a Prospect Hastings has to be.
People are calling Hastings' fellow UDFA and teammate Zuber the steal of the year but Hastings connection with Stidham might just be an even more valuable accusation for the New England Patriots.
The Patriots new receivers have big shoes to fill after the camp both Maurice Harris and Dontrelle Inman put on last year, only to get beat out by Meyers and Gunner O. The preseason is just a few short weeks away. Are you ready for some football?
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