NFL Analyst Says Patriots Are Best Fit For This Receiver In NFL Draft

The New England Patriots will re-build the roster. They are creating a super-roster and Bill Belichick will build his 2022 roster around Mac Jones. The 2022 NFL Draft is already here and the Patriots will soon make a big move. NFL analysts say the Patriots are the best fit for one wide receiver.

Matt Bowen from ESPN bets on the Patriots and Boise State WR Khalil Shakir.

“The Patriots upgraded their wide receiver room after trading for veteran DeVante Parker, but Shakir is an easy fit here because he would add a versatile element to the offense. He is an ultra-competitive receiver and ball carrier who can win in space and play through contact, and he can impact the game plan from a variety of alignments/roles. Think of slot targets and getting the ball on reverses, screens and backfield releases.

“He would also add special teams value for the Patriots. This is a tough football player who can be schemed as another outlet in the pass game for quarterback Mac Jones or as a hybrid receiver/back with playmaking talent.”

Patriots are the best fit for a talented receiver

Shakir spent three seasons at Boise State. He recorded 208 catches for 2,787 yards and 20 TDs in 43 games. He also had 414 yards and four scores on 71 carries. In his senior year, Shakir stacked 77 passes for 1,117 yards and seven touchdowns. He rushed 21 times for 130 yards.

Draft analyst Lance Zierlein really appreciates about Shakir’s skills. He even compared him to former Pittsburgh Steeler Antwaan Randle El.

“A coach’s dream, combining competitive nature, exciting versatility and elite character on and off the field. For a short-armed player with average explosiveness, Shakir puts an emphatic stamp on games. He’s more football player than prototypical slot receiver and needs to prove he can handle an increase in contested catches. He can be activated from a variety of alignments with the vision, wiggle and toughness to move the chains once the ball is in his hands. He finds a way to frequently show up on the notepad when watching tape and his will to outperform the guy across from him should not be overlooked. Shakir should become a valuable piece for a creative play-caller.”