Patriots Prospect: Patrick Mahomes' Advice to NFL Draft 'Sleeper'
The New England Patriots are on the hunt in the 2022 NFL Draft for reliable pass-catchers for quarterback Mac Jones. After trading for DeVante Parker, the Patriots still need to bolster a position group that could use more depth and talent.
A prospect the Patriots could target is Erik Ezukanma, a receiver with stellar size/speed combo who led Texas Tech's high-flying offense in receiving the last three seasons. A team captain, the big target shines particularly in the red zone and fighting for yards after the catch.
As NFL analysts search for "sleepers" in this year's drafts, Ezukanma could be considered as a player who has flown under the radar due to a low-production end of season. The Red Raider had 13 catches for 322 yards and a touchdown in his first two games but was unable to maintain that pace after starting quarterback Tyler Shough suffered a season-ending injury in the fourth game.
The 6-3, 220-pound receiver is projected to be a mid-round selection.
"Oh ya definitely I feel like a 'sleeper'," Ezukanma told our Bri Amaranthus. "The circumstances of being at Tech, with the coaching and quarterback changes, kind of derailed my development as a player and receiver. Getting into the right franchise will help me build and reach my full potential."
© Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
© Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
© Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
New England owns eight NFL Draft picks; seven in rounds 2-6.
Ahead of the draft, Ezukanma worked out with former Red Raider and current Kansas City Chiefs star quarterback Patrick Mahomes in an experience that "meant everything" to Ezukanma. The two players did not play at Tech at the same time but Mahomes gave the draft hopeful some advice about the league.
"Work hard and be a sponge," Mahomes told Ezukanma. "Be a guy that is on time to meetings. Don't think you've made it once you get drafted because it's just only starting."
The Fort Worth-native was the first Tech receiver to be named first-team All-Big 12 since Michael Crabtree in 2008. A matchup nightmare for Big-12 defenses, Ezukanma averaged 24.8 yards per catch for Tech with much thanks to his elusiveness in space and physical running.
© Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
© Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
© Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
New England's inability to connect downfield was a major factor in the development of Jones. Despite leading all rookie passers in near every category, Jones only averaged 7.3 yards per attempt, 14th among active quarterbacks.
In 2021, the Patriots’ receivers produced 193 receptions for 2,396 yards and 12 touchdowns. Meyers and Bourne combined for 138 receptions, 1,666 yards, and seven touchdowns. In other words, the Pats need talents besides Meyers and Bourne.
The Patriots, who tied with the Miami Dolphins with the second-best odds (+400) to win the the AFC East, are looking to add talent that can contribute right away in order to usurp the Buffalo Bills as division champions. If the Falcons select Ezukanma, what type of player will they be adding?
"A dog; A guy that works hard every day; A former team captain; an all-around talented wide receiver. I can do it all: red zone, backed-up, jet sweeps, hand offs... Whatever you need me to do I can do it for you. I don't shy away from special teams. I have to earn my role on a team and I am willing to do whatever it takes."
Ezukanma certainly has the sticky hands, body control and desire to succeed in the league. He could be a prospect with immense upside in New England.
