Patriots draft: 3 potential late-round steals who’d be perfect for New England
By Mike Luciano
No. 2: Shi Smith, WR, South Carolina
Smith seems like he’s been in Columbia forever, as he had a role in South Carolina’s offense for the last four seasons. While he’s suffered through poor quarterback play for the last four years, and though 2020 did not give him any reprieve, Smith had the best season of his career, setting records for catches with 57 and yards with 633 while scoring four touchdowns.
Smith made his mark as a slot receiver, using his tough-running style and soft hands to serve as a safety blanket over the middle. A Senior Bowl standout, Smith could be a very valued commodity in New England.
Smith could be an instant impact player for the New England Patriots
While adding some speed via a player like Jaylen Waddle could give the New England offense the verticality it needs, they need a player to go over the middle and pick up tough yards on short passes. With Julian Edelman starting to show his age in a very glaring way, Smith might be a low-cost, high-floor option to replace him.
He’s not a very explosive athlete, which could limit his downfield potential and ceiling at the professional level, but Smith has sure hands, sharp route-running ability, and a willingness to go over the middle to make tough catches. Smith should have minimal difficulty working his way up New England’s depth chart.