Patriots Hosting Former Mac Jones Teammate, Bill O’Brien Pupil For Workout
As the eyes of New England Patriots fans continue to be fixed on the top wide receivers in the upcoming NFL Draft Scouting Combine, a potential low-risk, high-reward free agent making his case to play for the Pats in 2023.
Former Alabama slot receiver Slade Bolden, per a Tuesday morning ESPN report, is scheduled to work out for the Patriots.
Bolden was rumored to be on New England’s radar during the 2022 NFL Draft scouting process, with many believing that the 5-11, 189-pounder would fit well within the Pats’ offense. Yet, the Patriots passed on Bolden, both in the Draft, as well as a potential undrafted free agent.
He instead signed with the Baltimore Ravens. However, the rookie suffered a sport hernia in August, which landed him on injured reserve. Bolden was released by Baltimore in October.
Despite a relatively thin pro resume, Bolden’s scheduled workout with the Pats provides him with the opportunity to make a strong second impression.
And, as the old saying goes … he also happens to know a guy.
Actually, make that TWO guys.
Bolden’s former college roommate was none other than Patriots quarterback Mac Jones. The two apparently have a close connection and still keep in contact. In fact, Bolden even shared some amusing insight on his former Crimson Tide teammate.
“He’s a different guy, but in a good way,” Bolden said of Jones in 2022. “He’s fun, he’s goofy, he’s fun to be around. You all saw him at the Pro Bowl and how he was acting. That’s how he’s always been.”
Having caught his first collegiate touchdown pass from Jones during Alabama’s 2021 College Football Playoff National Championship win over Ohio State, he reiterated his enthusiasm in once again playing with his former college quarterback.
“Playing with Mac would be cool,” Bolden said. “He’s a good friend of mine. We have a good connection. It would be an easy transition for sure, but at the end of the day, whoever gives me an opportunity, I’ll be thankful.”
Bolden also offered praise for Bill O’Brien, his former offensive coordinator with the Crimson, who coincidentally was hired by the Patriots in the same capacity last month. In addition to sharing his thoughts on O’Brien’s coaching style, he also spoke about his former OC’s methods of utilizing Wes Welker in the Pats’ offense during his tenure in New England. According to Bolden, he was deployed in the same fashion:
“It was basically kind of how they used me…if you need a good third-down play, a good third-down catch, or having that guy that’s been able to run an option route, or run the catch-tuck-turn type passes. “That’s the kind of guy Wes [Welker] was…catch the ball in the middle of the field, with no traffic. That’s kind of how I was used as well.”
Despite his connections and his similarities to some former Patriots, Bolden’s chances of joining New England will be based on his on-field prowess.
In his final season with Alabama, he compiled 42 receptions for 408 yards and three touchdowns under O’Brien’s tutelage. He also rushed once when lining up in the quarterback spot. Bolden has also proven himself to be an effective weapon on special teams. He tallied 14 punt returns for 99 yards to go with five kickoff returns for a total of 67 yards. For his efforts, he was selected as one of the Alabama coaching staff’s special teams players of the week for the team’s contests against Southern Miss, Mississippi State, LSU and New Mexico State.
At his best, Bolden is a reliable slot target, capable of making the catch and gaining available yardage. He does possess some quickness, as well as the sure hands and toughness required to be effective when going over the middle. However, Bolden has struggled a bit with achieving separation. As a result, he is not often targeted away from the line of scrimmage. Though he is unlikely to impress based on his speed or catch radius, Bolden can be effective when working with an accurate passer like Jones.
Whether Bolden’s workout amounts to a future with the Patriots is still a matter of conjecture.
Until then, the possibilities are fun to consider.
Follow Mike D’Abate on Twitter @mdabateNFL and Listen/Subscribe to his daily podcast: Locked On Patriots
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