The Patriots finished the season in need of help at the wideout position. They went out and signed Nelson Agholor and Kendrick Bourne. Neither guy is a number one but that was okay because they had Edelman and Meyers. Then came the shot fired across Patriots Nation. Edelman announced his retirement.
There are three guys I think the Patriots could draft on each day of the draft and two guys I hope can get signed as undrafted free agents. All five could be helpful in some fashion.
Amon-Ra St. Brown USC 6' 200lbs
Nfl.com score 6.21
Displays a combination of quickness and speed. Has game speed not burner speed, only runs a 4.51 forty. Athletic route runner with good footwork who runs full route tree. Can play any receiver position, although primarily used outside. Projected as a Z or slot guy. Ability to fool defenders and picks up yards after the catch. Large catch radius and good vertical jump. Which is he uses when deep or in the redzone. Showed a lack of focus in 2020. There is concern about his play strength and physicality especially against press coverage. His ability to seperate is inconsistent. He's willing to block but he's a below average blocker who needs to work on his blocking footwork. He can help as a punt returner and possible kickoffs, which should help him see time in year one.
In 30 games: 178 catches for 2270 yards with 16 touchdowns. 9 runs for 69 yards and a touchdown. Averaged 5.6 yards on 19 punts. Had 2 kickoffs for 21.5 yards.
Nico Collins Michigan 6'4" 215-220lbs
Nfl.com grade 6.28
Nico is a deep threat possession receiver with a good vertical jump and large wingspan. Which he uses to win 50-50 balls. Tested well but is said to plays slower than his 4.43 forty and 6.78 three cone times.
X receiver who can play all three spots but needs to work on his route running and PK turns on his breaks as he takes them to wide. Can struggle to get seperation, especially against press coverage. May have benefited from rub routes and pick plays. Shows an occasional lack of focus. Doesn't shy from contact and is a capable run blocker. Has ability to be coverage guy. Opted out in 2020 and is still raw in some areas. Might need a year or two of development.
In 27 games at Michigan, 78 catches for 1388 yards and 13 touchdowns.
Michael Strachan Charleston 6'5" 228lbs
Nfl.com grade 5.65
X-receiver, runs a 4.46 forty and a 47.99 400 meter. Has a large wingspan of 85 inches and a good vertical jump. Wins 50-50 balls and contested catches. Potential to play move tight end. Boasted a 6.96 three cone. Was All-MEC team 2018 & 2019, AFCA D2 second team 2019. D2 player like Jamie Newman or Kyle Duggar before someone says he can't play. Raw only playing 2 years and opting out in 2020. Vertical threat, route running is a limited. Below average run blocking ability.
Stats In 23 games: 127 catches for 2332 yards and 27 touchdowns. College not very good about providing other stats.
Rico Bussey Hawaii 6'2" 200lbs
Nfl.com score 5.48 I list my profile and PFN's profile.
My overview: Explosive, Speedster running a 4.45 forty. Quick with burst which he uses to get yards after the catch. Deep threat with a decent vertical. Large catch radius. Return threat. Drops are a problem doesn't have natural hands. Only average blocking ability. Was a flanker who played the X. Developmental project, who might be better suited to play defensive back. Has all the traits to be successful but work ethic is questioned.
38 games: 159 catches for 2215 yards with 22 touchdowns. 1 rush for 9 yards, 2 Kick returns averaging 39 yards.
Here's what Tony Pauline of PFN wrote about Rico Bussey Jr. , One-time highly rated prospect who came to Hawaii by way of North Texas. Physically gifted receiver with an underwhelming game. Has nice length, extends his hands, and works to make the reception away from his frame. Finds the soft spot in the defense. Flashed big-play ability in the past. Lazily comes off the line if he’s not involved in the play. Plays to one speed. Takes his eyes off the ball, which results in dropped passes. Must pick up the blocking intensity. Bussey was graded as a mid-round pick by scouts the past two years despite missing the 2019 season with injury and playing uninspired football last year. He possesses the physical skills to be a No. 5 receiver on an NFL roster yet rarely plays to his level of ability."
Jared Smart Hawaii 6' 190lbs
NFL draft score N/A I list my profile and PFN'S.
My overview: Possession slot receiver for the warriors who had a down year due to the team throwing 10% less. Smart was the teams number three receiver in 2019. Smart is a quick and a decent route runner who is good at picking up yards after the catch. Smart is not going to be scaring anyone deep but he'll make his money is shifty enough that he could make a team as a punt returner early on. Like most Hawaii receivers, Smart is not an average blocker but he has a better work ethic than teammate Rico Bussey. Over his time in Hawaii, Smart has caught a pass in every game. Smart is not a superstar but should battle for the number three and four spot on whatever team he signs with.
In 43 games caught 193 passes for 2275 yards and 13 touchdowns. 2 punt returns for 2 yards.
Here's what Tony Pauline of PFN wrote about Smart, "Junior college transfer who started the past two seasons. Quick wideout with reliable hands. Fluid releasing off the line of scrimmage, immediately gets to top speed, and sells routes. Battles with his hands to separate from opponents, tracks the pass in the air, and adjusts to the errant throw. Possesses excellent eye/hand coordination and flashes strong hands. Quickly turns upfield after the catch. Cannot run to the deep throw. Floats exiting breaks. Not a big-bodied pass catcher. Smart was productive for Hawaii the past two seasons and has enough skills to make a roster as a fifth receiver/return specialist."
The Patriots don't need a true number one if they can get production. The team is built for 13 and 14 personnel formations. So anyone drafted should have time to develop.
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