Patriots: 3 slot receivers Pats can draft after Julian Edelman’s retirement
By Jack Long
Monday, April 12 was truly the end of an era. After chronic knee problems cost him the bulk of the 2020 NFL season, Julian Edelman announced he was hanging up the cleats. Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski leaving last summer was the beginning of a new regime, but Edelman’s retirement feels like the nail in the coffin of the old New England Patriots guard.
Life goes on though and you know Bill Belichick is already scheming the best ways to take advantage of the cap space gained by Edelman’s departure along with finding what hopefully will be an eventual replacement for the all-time great receiver.
The Patriots’ wide receiver room is already definitely more skilled than this past season, but is still by no means a frightening group for opposing defenses.
Now with Edelman on the way out, Bill Belichick is even more in need of a stud slot pass catcher. Jakobi Meyers has done some great work from the slot, but the undrafted product is by no means a sure thing.
Without a ton of slot receivers potentially available via trade, the Patriots could have to turn to the draft route when it comes to finding Edelman’s future replacement. Much like 2020, this year’s draft is loaded with wide receiver talent.
Holding the No. 15 pick this time around, the Patriots could have the opportunity to land one of the big names on the board. Luckily, this thing is so deep that there are also some intriguing prospects that could be available in the second or third round, in case New England gets a QB gift early.
Let’s take a look at three names that New England should consider if they decide to draft at the position.
3. Jaylen Waddle
Jaylen Waddle missed most of the 2020 campaign with a high-ankle sprain and fracture, but that did little to dip his draft stock.
The clear-cut No. 1 slot receiver in this class, some experts believe he could end up being the best wide receiver available in this draft.
Could the Patriots be able to snag the explosive Jaylen Waddle in the first round?
A great playmaker with insane speed, his yards after the catch and yards per reception are insane. Waddle also doesn’t have to be just a slot receiver; his speed and route running ability more than qualify him to line up out wide.
One thing that Bill Belichick is sure to like is his punt return capabilities, too.
Waddle is a guy who will be able to make an immediate impact wherever he lands and the Patriots would be able to utilize him as well as any team in the NFL. Belichick just has to be willing to snag a receiver so high in the draft.