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2016 NFL Draft: Patriots should target Keyarris Garrett

By Connor Fulton

Nov 22, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Tulsa Golden Hurricane wide receiver Keyarris Garrett (1) makes a reception during the second quarter against the Houston Cougars at TDECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 22, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Tulsa Golden Hurricane wide receiver Keyarris Garrett (1) makes a reception during the second quarter against the Houston Cougars at TDECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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As the 2016 NFL Draft fast approaches, here is one name New England Patriots fans should have in mind: Keyarris Garrett.

A Randy Moss lookalike with his 6-foot-4 stature, long arms and longer strides, Garrett is one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2016 NFL Draft. Not surprisingly, Garrett utilizes his height and bulk to gain an advantage on just about every cornerback he faces. When the ball is thrown his way, Garrett torques and controls his body with ease.

Expectations of fifth-year Patriots players

As is often the case with these lanky receivers, Garrett needs some time to reach top speed. But in the Patriots’ offensive scheme, there are no shortage of pass catchers who can cut on a dime. Julian Edelman, Danny Amenola, Dion Lewis and James White can handle the tight-spaces work, allowing Garrett to focus on getting open near the sidelines and deep.

Reviewing Tom Brady’s career history against the NFC West

With that in mind, view Garrett as an Aaron Dobson replacement. At 6-foot-3, Dobson is the tallest wide receiver on the Patriots’ roster, but he hasn’t panned out as the Patriots had hoped when they drafted him in the second round back in 2013. Substantially taller than Dobson, Garrett could be drafted in the middle rounds to replace the Marshall product.

Expectations of fourth-year Patriots players

Imagine a Patriots aerial attack featuring 6-foot-6 mammoth tight ends Rob Gronkowski and Martellus Bennett complemented by the 6-foot-4 Garrett on the outside with Edelman, Amendola, Chris Hogan and Lewis picking up the slack.

In his twilight years, Tom Brady is going to need a diversified group of pass catchers at his disposal, and Garrett would certainly add another layer to the receiving corps.

Garrett also wouldn’t have to be the Patriots first selection in the 2016 NFL Draft. He could be snagged with either of the team’s third round selections, for instance.

Next: Revisiting and grading Patriots’ 2015 NFL Draft picks

Stay tuned here on Musket Fire for coverage on every twist and turn in the Patriots’ offseason.

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