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.
2. Rondale Moore
Rondale Moore went nuts as a freshman at Purdue, but has since struggled with injury issues. Moore struggled to stay on the field in 2019 and 2020, which has ultimately hurt his draft stock. His small stature and the league-wide viewpoint that he may be solely positioned to work the slot has also given experts some pause.
If an organization can look past these potential red flags, though, they will be receiving what truly is a Day 1 talent when he can stay on the field.
The Patriots would be smart to consider this Day 1 talent who may fall to Day 2.
Moore is elusive and twitchy, making him one of the top yards after the catch and “forced tackles missed” receivers in the country.
Bill Belichick could look to take advantage of Moore’s falling draft stock and should be willing to take a flyer on someone who is easily a top-three slot receiver in the 2021 NFL Draft. As much as Belichick loves versatile players, he gets the most out of all his guys and could turn Moore into the next stud small receiver.
If Moore slides into the second round, look for the Patriots to consider drafting the Boilermaker talent.
1. Elijah Moore
Elijah Moore is one of the most versatile slot receivers available in the upcoming draft. This is a guy you can’t pigeonhole into a certain role. As great as he was as a slot receiver, Moore is a serious downfield threat anytime he is on the field.
Moore has been Ole Miss’ star receiver since 2019, with great numbers when it comes to yards and contested catches.
Sometimes a pro day can really help or hurt a player’s draft stock. Moore’s 40-yard dash and three-cone drill really helped show the speed and transition this player has.
One thing that Bill Belichick has to love about Moore is his sticky hands. This guy does not drop the ball and had the lowest drop rate among SEC WRs last season, per PFF.
Moore’s versatility and good hands should have him high up on the Patriots’ draft board when it comes to slot receivers.
Should the Patriots use draft capital on a slot receiver?
Even though he didn’t play too many snaps in 2020, Edelman’s disappearing presence was and will be immediately felt with this Patriots offense. The rugged safety blanket would have been huge for current quarterback Cam Newton.
In that vein, the Patriots should be looking to draft and develop that next stud receiver from the slot. The skill and versatility some of these young players possess could make them immediate impact guys who in the long-term could be stars in any organization.
Bill Belichick hasn’t necessarily had success drafting receiver talent in the early rounds, but after having watched his receiver room struggle all of 2020, this may be the year he goes big on drafting offensive pieces.
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