Musket Fire
FanSided

Patriots: Forecasting Devin Lucien in 2016

By Connor Fulton

Jan 2, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils wide receiver Devin Lucien (15) stretches and scores a touchdown during the first half against the West Virginia Mountaineers at Chase Field during the Cactus Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils wide receiver Devin Lucien (15) stretches and scores a touchdown during the first half against the West Virginia Mountaineers at Chase Field during the Cactus Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

This is the ninth installment in a 17-part series in which we are forecasting what 2016 holds in store for each member of the New England Patriots’ rookie class. Today, we’re forecasting former Arizona State wideout Devin Lucien.

Musket Fire Thursday Roundtable 5/19

The skinny: One of eight undrafted rookies signed by the Patriots this month, Lucien stands amid a crowded group at wide receiver. That is both a bad and a good thing; bad because Lucien is at the bottom of the totem pole, but good because the Patriots are crowd sourcing to find three or four wideouts after Julian Edelman and Danny Amendola. In other words, impressive play in training camp and the preseason could leapfrog Lucien over the likes of Aaron Dobson, Chris Harper, Keshawn Martin, Nate Washington, and so on…

Evaluating roster chances of every Patriots draft pick

Pessimistic forecast: Lucien’s poor acceleration out of his cuts sticks out like a sore thumb. Despite being 6-foot-2, Lucien gets outmuscled on 50-50 balls, not highpointing the pass well enough. He is an easy cut.

Pessimistic stats projection: Lucien gets cut in training camp.

In-depth: Patriots draft review and grades

Optimistic forecast: Lucien plays so well in the dog days of the summer that the Patriots simply can’t cut the UCLA transfer. He uses height to his advantage, creating separation against defensive backs with nifty footwork. Lucien outplays fellow rookie wideout Malcolm Mitchell as well as the majority of veterans competing at the position, making the team as the No. 4 wideout.

Optimistic stats projection: 27 receptions, 439 yards, two touchdowns

Realistic forecast: Lucien has his struggles in training camp but plays better than most undrafted rookie wideouts would in New England, and that earns him a spot on the practice squad. When injuries hit the receiving corps, Lucien suits up for a game here and there.

Realistic stats projection: 12 receptions, 199 yards, touchdown

Next: AFC Power Rankings: Pats top post-draft edition

What do you think 2016 has in store for Lucien? Comment below.

Home/Patriots News