Patriots Eyeing Boston College WR in NFL Draft?
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FOXBORO — The New England Patriots may be looking to the 2023 NFL Draft for their next big splash into the wide receiver pool, after all.
Luckily, the player for which fans have been pining may be closer to Foxboro than one may think.
With Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton “declaring” his club will keep wideout Jerry Jeudy for 2023 — as well as the Arizona Cardinals asking price for veteran receiver DeAndre Hopkins being too high for the team’s liking — the Patriots seem destined to find their much-anticipated upgrade over a three-day period in Kansas City in late April.
Despite the recent addition of JuJu Smith-Schuster, the loss of Jakobi Meyers ensures that New England remains in the hunt for at least one additional receiver prior to the start of the 2023 offseason program. As such, it should come as no surprise that the Patriots sent a thorough coaching contingent to Boston College’s Pro Day workouts on Friday to take long look at Eagles’ wideout prospect Zay Flowers.
Though he had already tested on agility drills earlier this month at the NFL Combine — where he ran 4.42-second 40-yard dash — Flowers did take the field for drills and punt returns. The Pats delegation, which included director of scouting Camren Williams, was reportedly impressed With Flowers’ short-area quickness in the passing attack.
Flowers is among the top recieving prospects in the nation, with an added vertical element which allows him to separate from his defender. He fininshed his senior season on Chestnut Hill having compiled 78 catches for 1,077 yards with 12 touchdowns. Arguably, his best trait is the ability to add yards after the catch. In fact, he averaged 13.8 yards-per-catch for BC in 2022.
Though his speed and talent are as impressive as any player at his position, Flowers’ only potential drawback may be his size. Generously listed at 5-10, 172, his ability to hold up against some of the country’s most physical corners (with pro-level size and skill set) is something that scouts — especially the Patriots coaches will be weighing throughout the incoming month.
Flowers may also prove to be a coveted asset by new Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien. During his first tour of duty with New England, O’Brien helped navigate a Patriots offense, which featured ball protection, efficient running and spreading the ball to multiple pass catchers — including tight ends and versatile receivers.
In theory, Flowers may be primed to thrive in New England’s offense.
Still, securing his services will come neither easy, nor cheap. Although a rookie deal would yield a cost far less than the type of veteran deal needed to procure either Jeudy or Hopkins, Flowers is projected as a first-round selection by most national draft experts.
With several areas of need on their roster, the Pats will be forced to decide if using their No. 14 selection on a wide receiver is the best use of their prime asset.
Flowers is a dynamic talent. However, New England will demonstrate exactly how much value they are placing on the position with their actions in the coming weeks.
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