Patriots: 3 players we’re watching closely in preseason opener

2. WR N’Keal Harry

The last few months have been dominated by rumors surrounding Harry, who requested a trade after two uneventful seasons in New England after he was drafted in the first round. His wish was not granted, and he has since turned up in pads for training camp in order to prove himself to the coaching staff.

New signings Nelson Agholor and Kendrick Bourne will likely take over the top two spots on the depth chart, but this team is in need of a tertiary playmaker at the wide receiver position, and Harry can fill that void if he has improved his ability to get separation at the line of scrimmage.

Will N’Keal Harry prove his worth to the Patriots?

Harry can make plays as a ball-carrier and secure contested catches, but it’s been his ability to stretch the field that’s been called into question. With Cam Newton likely to air it out more now that he’s fully healthy and comfortable with this system, Harry won’t be short on chances to show off his skills.

If he falls on his face once again, that will assuredly be the end of his New England tenure. For Belichick, a poor showing from Harry in the preseason will inch him closer to becoming the next failed wide receiver prospect that Belichick drafted, becoming the newest name on a very long list.