5 new faces who could save the New England Patriots' season

Xavier Smith 

That’s enough of the piano movers; let’s try and find some piano players to bring some finesse to the offense, shall we?  

Xavier Smith would be the ideal Marcus Jones replacement; even though he’s a defensive player, Jones was still the most exciting pass catcher on the roster before his injury. The Patriots’ front office is famous for not being able to draft a decent receiver (remember N’Keal Harry?) if their lives depended on it, and this year was no different. 

“Pop” Douglas has been the flattest pop you’ve ever heard. As if to reinforce just how uninspiring the play calling has been, Douglas has only seen 17 targets all year. And he has only caught 58% of them; six Patriots pass catchers have a better catch rate this year. He has returned five punts this season, though, but he’s more comfortable in space than with two gunners charging at him. 

Xavier Smith is taller than the diminutive Douglas but around 10 lbs lighter. But he plays like he’s much bigger; he’s got an awful lot of “Napoleon complex” about him.

It’s the size of the fight in the dog, not the size of the dog in the fight, right? 

He’s clocked a 4.38 40-yard dash, but he’s not just a burner; he can work through contact, and his body control allows him to catch even the loosest back-shoulder passes. He’d certainly add an extra dimension to a very flat Patriots offense. 

Smith is currently on the Rams practice squad, and they’re not exactly struggling for wideouts at the moment. He’ll probably be available.