Patriots: What should fans make of team’s new WR signing?
By Jerry Trotta
Despite their free agent splurge, the New England Patriots still have one of the least-talented wide receiving corps in the league.
While the likes of Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith figure to play a big role in the offense, which will only help mask the WR corps’ deficiencies, Jakobi Meyers, Nelson Agholor, Kendrick Bourne and N’Keal Harry won’t strike much fear into opposing defenses.
Clearly aware of this, New England has decided to go out and add a former Falcons receiver.
And no, it wasn’t Julio Jones. Damn.
The Patriots have signed Marvin Hall to end the week, and it didn’t take long for the deal to become official, as Hall was spotted wearing No. 14 at Friday’s practice.
It goes without saying this signing came out of left field (that’s how GM Bill Belichick tends to operate), so what should Pats fans make of the move?
The #Patriots have added some speed, signing former #Lions and #Bears WR Marvin Hall, source said.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 4, 2021
What should Patriots fans make of the Marvin Hall signing?
To be honest, we’re not sure, but we love the potential upside of the move. After all, the Patriots currently have a pair of possession-based receivers in Meyers and Bourne. While Agholor managed a career-high in yards per reception (18.7) last season and is always capable of catching a long touchdown, he isn’t what you would call an elite deep threat.
The same cannot be said for Hall, who has speed to burn. The fourth-year pro ran a blistering 4.28 40-yard dash at his Washington pro day in 2017. What he lacks in size and brute strength (he’s 5-foot-10 and weighs 192 pounds), he more than makes up for with agility and route running that’ll actually blow your mind.
Look no further than Hall’s highlight from Friday’s practice. You’re telling us any of the Patriots’ current receivers can break out of their routes this quickly?
WR Marvin Hall (5-10, 192, University of Washington/Browns-Lions-Falcons) here at Patriots voluntary OTA, wearing No. 14.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) June 4, 2021
Watching him run this route sparked the question, “Who the Hall is that?”
Thank you. I’ll see myself out now. pic.twitter.com/IdGlDfhoPg
No way, and that tells us Hall has a real chance of sticking around for the duration of the offseason. Also…is this another example of Matt Patricia’s influence on the scouting department? Hall was on Patricia’s Lions squad once upon a time, and seems like the type of under-the-radar signing that coaches with roster familiarity push for.
Whether the former undrafted talent makes the final roster out of training camp (if he even lasts that far) remains to be seen, but if he continues to impress during OTAs, he could definitely push for the fourth or fifth spot on the WR depth chart.
For a player who’s had brief stints with six teams (the Falcons, Raiders, Lions, Bears, Cardinals and Browns) over his first four years, a chance is all Hall could ask for.
Fans should consider it a low-risk and a potential high-reward signing if Hall is still on the roster once Week 1 arrives in September.
