On my draft board, I have 30 receiver prospects for the Patriots. And although I would like a quick Edelman type slot receiver, I think they really need a deep outside guy and it's not Thorton, whom I think is a deep slot / flex receiver in development. Nelson Agholor didn't put up the stats but he still caused defenses to give some cushion to the underneath routes. Only seven of my prospects can replace him as a true deep X.
David Durden, West Florida, 6'2" 200 pounds
In 43 games, 151 catches for 2969 and 32 touchdowns. 3.2 yard average on 5 carries, 24.09 yard average on 42 kickoff returns and 17.71 on 14 punt returns
A two sport athlete that reportedly started playing like he didn't need football. A true number one X receiver with Z potential. Has a limited route tree but has shown he understands how to read a defense. Has the size and breakaway speed and agility teams covet in a number one. Projected as a day three selection pre combine.
Andrei Iosivas, Princeton, 6'4" 215 pounds
In 29 games, averaged 3.4 yards on 17 carries. Had 1909 yards and 16 touchdowns on 125 catches
Fast and agile with second gear for yac. Can climb to get the ball and has a huge catch radius. Can fill any role which will allow which will allow the Patriots to scheme. Not a good blocker, needs a lot of work in that department. Needs to improve first step and do a better job of getting seperation at the line.
Trey Palmer, Nebraska, 6'1" 190 pounds
34 games, 112 catches for 1501 yards with 12 touchdowns. 10.7 yard average on 7 carries. 8.3 yards average on 27 punts and a 25.3 on 18 kickoff returns.
Track speed with hands and returner vision. Can fill a variety of receiver duties. Not a physical receiver, won't win contested catches or pick up much after the catch and his blocking is said to be lacking. Is a little raw and may drop the ball in order to protect self from impact. His route tree maybe limited but he can read a defense pre snap.
Kayshon Boutte, LSU, 6'0" 205 pounds
Played in 27 games, catching 131 passes for 1782 yards and 16 touchdowns. 16 yard average on 5 kickoffs, all in 2022. And ripped a 41 yard run in his only carry.
Versatile player who creates yac. Let's defenders slow him down. Doesn't win contested catches enough. Can catch in traffic without issues. Makes sideline catches. Is a willing run blocker. Has an injury history which hampered development. Has some areas where he needs minor developing and also has show some inconsistencies in his play but has the tools to be a number one. Would go a bit of a way towards improving Belichick's drafting history and development if he could finish polishing off this guy's edges.
Jalin Hyatt, Tennessee, 6'0" 185 pounds
In 29 games, 108 catches for 1769 yards with 19 touchdowns. Averaged 4.3 yards on 3 carries.
Ideal blend of speed, agility and quickness for the position. Knows how to use it to create seperation and to also get yac. He can also go up and get the jump balls. Decent run blocking ability. Concerns on if he can play in tight coverage due to Tennessee's offense. He was also used similar to Nelson Agholor in 2021 as he basically just allowed others to get open. Plays at a high pad level. Needs to improve release. Will need to put on some weight to fill out his frame. And improve strength as he doesn't win enough contested balls.
Rashee Rice, SMU, 6'3" 205 pounds
In 42 games, 233 catches for 3111 yards with 25 touchdowns. 1 kickoff for 10 yards.
For starters blocks like he's playing tight end. A true receiver who's route running and circus catch ability are sure to get him noticed. Has speed and quickness with ankle breaking agility but he reportedly doesn't 100 on ever play. He goes up and get the ball. And uses intelligence instead of aggression to win contested balls. He creates yac and is a danger in space. His route tree is decent but he needs to perfect his running of them along with learning to use his agility better. He's definitely a number one and probably going to be out of the Patriots range.
Quentin Johnston, TCU, 6'4" 215 pounds
In 30 games, 115 catches for 2190 yards with 14 touchdowns. Rushed for 8 touchdowns but only averaged 1 yard a carry.
Intelligent, with the speed and quickness one wants in an X but needs to learn to beat man coverage consistently as he occasionally struggles with seperation. He destroys zone coverage. Needs to focus more on making catches than where he's going. He can win contested catches and jump balls. Teams are also going to want to improve his run blocking to help make him more well rounded. He needs to improve his route running and route tree, especially in the short to intermediate areas. He also has a habit of playing too high.
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