This Patriots-Browns draft day trade for N’Keal Harry should work
By Mike Luciano
The New England Patriots appear all but done with former first-round pick N’Keal Harry, as the signings of Nelson Agholor and Kendrick Bourne during their free agency shopping spree confirmed beyond a shadow of a doubt that Harry is no longer a valued member of the New England passing game.
Harry, who was picked in the first round out of Arizona State due to his ability to make tough catches and improvise as a runner, has recorded just 45 catches and four touchdowns during his first two seasons, as Cam Newton force-feeding him did little to improve his production.
With new arrivals coming to New England, Harry is likely not going to be one of Newton’s main targets last season, which could prompt a trade for him as late as draft day.
Belichick might have preferred Harry over Deebo Samuel and AJ Brown, but he could start to rectify his mistake by getting New England a somewhat useful draft pick.
A team like the Cleveland Browns, who could use that pick on a wide receiver, might be better served getting a player like Harry via trade.
This Browns-Patriots trade for N’Keal Harry could work
The Browns might appear to have the wide receiver position locked down as a run-heavy, 12 personnel-based offense that already has Jarvis Landry and Odell Beckham Jr. looks more than set at that position. However, the battle for the WR3 spot is still up for grabs, and Harry might be able to win that fight.
With Rashard Higgins back in town, Donovan Peoples-Jones still developing, and KhaDarel Hodge just a guy, Harry could get an increased volume of targets in Cleveland. Baker Mayfield thrives on getting the ball out of his hands quickly, which could allow Harry’s run after catch skills to shine.
The Agholor and Bourne signings prove that New England has all but moved on from hoping Harry develops into a star. The least they could do is get a potential cap casualty out of town and get some draft capital (in this case, a fourth that Cleveland acquired from the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for Genard Avery) and try to find a potential replacement on Day 3.
Cleveland needs as much talent around Mayfield as possible to fend off Pittsburgh and Baltimore, and Harry represents both a potential No. 3 receiver behind Beckham and Landry and insurance if Odell’s injury issues return. New England, meanwhile, gets a draft pick that could be used to select a potential Harry replacement. It’s time.
