Pats hope WRs catch on
Dorsett, Harry top targets
When Tom Brady hits the practice field with a newlook Patriots offense this week, expect a few hiccups.
Brady’s most trusted target, Super Bowl MVP Julian Edelman, will be sidelined because of a left thumb injury, according to a source. Josh Gordon, who rapidly developed a connection with Brady a year ago, remains indefinitely suspended by the NFL. And Gronk is doing yoga on a beach somewhere.
Only one wide receiver who was on the roster last year will be practicing at the beginning of training camp.
Here’s a rundown of a receivers unit that will be under the microscope throughout the summer:
Familiar face
PHILLIP DORSETT — Resigned on a one-year deal, turning down an offer from the Seahawks (who had little depth at the time).
Strengths: Dorsett possesses elite straight-line speed, and last offseason he worked hard to master the short and intermediate routes vital to the Pats offense. A lot of that work paid off. Dorsett caught a team-high 76.2 percent
of his targets. From Week 5 through the divisional round of the playoffs, Brady was 20-for-20 when targeting Dorsett.
Needs to prove: As efficient as Dorsett was a year ago, he averaged only 9.1 yards per reception. He didn’t do a ton after the catch, and his deep speed wasn’t utilized. He resigned in part because offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels envisioned a bigger role for him. That certainly will be the case this summer. Dorsett should open camp as the No. 1 receiver.
Untapped potential
N’KEAL HARRY — For the first time in his tenure with the Patriots, Bill Belichick took a wide receiver in the first round. Needless to say, expectations are high.
Strengths: He has a huge frame and a penchant for coming down with contested catches. We saw several examples of this in the spring, including an impressive back-shoulder touchdown grab against tight coverage by J.C. Jackson. With Gordon suspended and Demaryius Thomas sidelined because of an Achilles injury, Harry should have every opportunity to become the Pats’ ‘X’ boundary receiver. Needs to prove: Unsurprisingly, Harry’s timing and precision weren’t always perfect during minicamp. This isn’t cause for panic. It’s probably the norm for rookie receivers. So can Harry clean up the issues this summer? He’s not super explosive, but his physicality and contestedcatch ability should compensate for a relative lack of quickness.
MAURICE HARRIS — Signed in the first week of free agency, Harris likely was recognized only by the most hardcore NFL fans. He doesn’t possess as much upside as Harry, but he’s a young player who could take a huge step forward here.
Strengths: Great size (6-foot-3, 201 pounds) for the slot position. Harris stood out in the spring, showcasing an ability to high-point the ball on deep/ intermediate routes down the middle of the field.
Needs to prove: From a skill-set standpoint, not much. He simply needs to show consistency. Harris isn’t going to blow anyone away with his speed, but like Harry, his size makes him a tough cover.
BRAXTON BERRIOS — Fresh off a redshirt rookie season, Berrios could become a breakout star this summer.
Strengths: Berrios possesses the quickness and agility of a prototypical Patriots slot receiver. He also brings some deep speed to the table.
Needs to prove: Can he deal with the physical play in the middle of the field? That’s where others before him — Wes Welker, Julian Edelman, Danny Amendola — have made their money.
Grizzled veteran
DONTRELLE INMAN — Lingered in free agency a bit longer than expected. The 30-year-old Inman is coming off an impressive finish to the 2018 season.
Strengths: Inman is known as a smooth route-runner who possesses a long frame and can play along the boundary as well as inside.
Needs to prove: That he’s catching on in this system. Inman was extremely quiet during minicamp. He needs to flash this summer.
The unproven
Jakobi Meyers is a 6-2 slot target. Ryan Davis is a smaller slot receiver. Gunner Olsze
wski and Damoun Patterson are probably long shots to make the squad.