N’Keal Harris bust or boom?

N’Keal Harris bust or boom?

The Patriots used their first-round draft pick to select N’Keal Harry as the number 32 overall pick in the draft. However exactly what role will Harry play? The last time the Patriots used a first-round pick on a receiver was Terry Glenn in 1996. He stayed with the Patriots until 2002 when he was traded to Green Bay for a 2002 fourth round pick and conditional 2003 fourth round pick. The question is what is Harry’s future.

Harry was very dependable in college. He continued to progress year after year. His average yards per reception was 11.4 in 2016, 13.9 in 2017, and 14.9 in 2018. His touchdowns per season increased as well along with scrimmage production. But what exactly does this mean for Harry and the Patriots?

Will he start this season? No one really knows. The Patriots have a crowded backfield going into the new season. They have their starting receiver Julian Edelman who has been very reliable through his career returning. After facing free agency Phillip Dorsett is also returning.

Demaryius Thomas also joined the backfield this off-season. There are also the likes of Braxton Berrios, Jakobi Meyers, Ryan Davis, Matthew Slater, Damoun Patterson, and Maurice Harris.

There is also talks the Patriots will be signing veteran receiver Dontrelle Inman to a one-year deal.

So, the question is will he even make it past all these guys and maintain a long-term position with the team. Or will be traded or released? Due to the investment, it would seem he was drafted to stay. But it really lies on his transition. Can he transition into a number 1 or 2 receiver? Can he make the plays when needed? Does he fit the system? These questions will later be answered in mini-camp.

Last year the Patriots had two first round picks. One was spent on Isaiah Wynn left tackle. He didn’t get to play but that might change with former left tackle Trent Brown singing a 4-year deal with the Oakland Raiders a few months back. The other 2018 first round pick Sony Michel lived up to expectations. Michel, who only played in 13 games last season, mustered 931 yards and 6 touchdowns. There was the unforgettable fumble, but let’s just face it we can’t all be perfect.

Will Harry be Tom Brady’s new weapon or will he be a short-term visitor with the team? Time will tell.

-By: Julius Jefferson