N'Keal Harry WR Arizona State Rd1 Pk32

Super Nomario

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I watched Mitchell a ton at UGA. The knocks on him coming out of college were that he struggled with physical, press coverage corners, sometimes had trouble getting separation and had just average top-end speed. Just like Harry. Both guys excelled in the intermediate passing game and both were far above average in contested catch rate (Mitchell was above 60% his last year at Georgia.) Main differences are that Harry is physically bigger and more elusive in the open field.
I agree where they win (mostly intermediate and mostly not deep) is similar, but I think how they win could not be more different.
 

BigSoxFan

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https://www.google.com/amp/s/patriotswire.usatoday.com/2019/04/26/patriots-nkeal-harry-mother-reunion-video/amp/

It got a little dusty in here. N’Keal’s personal story is of family sacrifice. He has only seen his mom 4 times since he left for the US at 4. They draft guys that make big crybabies like me tear up just reading about it.
Thanks for sharing, SMU. I can’t get enough of these stories. Hopefully the new wealth will enable him to see her far more frequently.
 

tims4wins

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Sony is from Haiti, N'Keal is from St. Vincent. New market inefficiency?!

Seriously, I think BB loves how down to earth and humble these guys are. He doesn't want divas and those two picks are just hard working dudes who are family oriented, etc.
 

PaulinMyrBch

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Watched some video, seems to be the recipient of a ton of uncalled holding and defensive PI's. Hopefully he won't be the guy to fill Gronk's role in that department at the NFL level. I'd like to see the uncalled defensive abuse of one of our receivers retire with Gronk.
 

SMU_Sox

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Sony is from Haiti, N'Keal is from St. Vincent. New market inefficiency?!

Seriously, I think BB loves how down to earth and humble these guys are. He doesn't want divas and those two picks are just hard working dudes who are family oriented, etc.
Both you and @Super Nomario made that joke. I volunteer humbly to be the area scout there! I do work with demographic groups in market research. Sometimes you have to build out profiles of people. So for this I’d say Bill indexes higher towards players with children (HH with child 1+). You know a plucky QB who has kids? Will Grier. Case closed.
 

DourDoerr

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Thanks for all the links - an embarrassment of riches. I especially liked the Burleson segment and the two with BB informing him and the other with him receiving the news. The reaction of friends and family looks like the Pats added a whole new wing to the Nation. I can't imagine how much a player's mind is blown on hearing he's going to the World Champs, his coach will be BB and his QB will be Tom Brady. That has to be dizzying.

2 other things:

Haven't seen it mentioned here - is his nickname Prince? Hopefully Berman (if he isn't retired) gets to break it out week 1.

And as a Cal Bears fan, watching those Pac-12 highlights, I was astounded to see IIRC that zero of them came against the Cal D. Under the horrific Sonny Dykes, the entire highlight package would have been against Cal.
 

singaporesoxfan

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Sony is from Haiti, N'Keal is from St. Vincent. New market inefficiency?!

Seriously, I think BB loves how down to earth and humble these guys are. He doesn't want divas and those two picks are just hard working dudes who are family oriented, etc.
New? Chung is from Jamaica. I think he’s just amassing a great West Indies squad that he will then use to dominate Test cricket in the offseason
 

Hambone

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And as a Cal Bears fan, watching those Pac-12 highlights, I was astounded to see IIRC that zero of them came against the Cal D. Under the horrific Sonny Dykes, the entire highlight package would have been against Cal.
ASU didn't play Cal either of the last 2 seasons.
 

Michelle34B

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I don't see Mitchell at all. I thought Mitchell's best quality was his ability to separate, which isn't Harry's game. Meanwhile Harry much better at contested catches and run after the catch.

EDIT: giving this more thought, I think the best analogue among recent Patriots receivers is a cross between Brandon Lloyd and Aaron Hernandez. Lloyd's hands / crazy catch ability but Hernandez' ability after the catch. Maybe sprinkle in a little of Gronk's height and love of mixing things up physically.
Malcolm Mitchell was also a good route runner. Physically, it's not even close.

Kelvin Benjamin, Kevin White, Laquon Treadwell...You can see why teams have stopped taking this type of WR higher in the draft. Optimistically, he is a very solid 230 and and it's easy to project him as his new teammate, Demariyus Thomas. I may be reading too much into the Tom Brady tweet above, but it sounds like he knows they've got a lot of work to do on his route-running, same thing Peyton Manning did with Demariyus.
 

tims4wins

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So I guess he never officially did the 3 cone drill, but I found a post on a Raider fan site that clocked him at a 6.89, which would have ranked 6th at this year's combine and is slightly better than Isabella.

Link to a twitter thread:
 

SMU_Sox

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Malcolm Mitchell was also a good route runner. Physically, it's not even close.

Kelvin Benjamin, Kevin White, Laquon Treadwell...You can see why teams have stopped taking this type of WR higher in the draft. Optimistically, he is a very solid 230 and and it's easy to project him as his new teammate, Demariyus Thomas. I may be reading too much into the Tom Brady tweet above, but it sounds like he knows they've got a lot of work to do on his route-running, same thing Peyton Manning did with Demariyus.
Much more explosive and has better long speed than Treadwell. Look, Harry isn’t my favorite kind of receiver. I worry about his separation problems and struggles against press. But he’s not anywhere near Treadwell’s level.
 

heavyde050

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I mean the Patriots had their pick of basically all the WRs and they chose this guy.
I know they have had some issues developing WRs, but this is the guy they wanted.
I think the most important thing for any Pats WR is hands. Start dropping passes from Brady and it never ends well. From everything I have read, hands are not an issue with him.
 

DennyDoyle'sBoil

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Supposedly the Cardinals were going to take him with 33. Who knows about whether that stuff is true, but it does have a bit of a ring of truth to it.

So, if he was their guy it was probably good the Patriots grabbed him when they did because trying to add some draft capital and still get him later by trading back near the top of the second round looks like it would not have worked.
 

EL Jeffe

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So I guess he never officially did the 3 cone drill, but I found a post on a Raider fan site that clocked him at a 6.89, which would have ranked 6th at this year's combine and is slightly better than Isabella.

Link to a twitter thread:
Dane Brugler is really good at compiling official pro day workout results. He has Harry at a 7.05 3-cone / 4.28 shuttle. Those times line up pretty well with what Harry does out on the field.

http://www.draftscout.com/dsprofile.php?PlayerId=1017719&DraftYear=2019
 

DourDoerr

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ASU didn't play Cal either of the last 2 seasons.
Oy - that's a big fail on my part. I'll stand by the comment though with one addition - "Under the horrific Sonny Dykes, the entire highlight package would have been against Cal, if they had played them." And that's a red cinch lock. I'm still in recovery, clearly.
 

Mugsy's Jock

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Haven't seen it mentioned here - is his nickname Prince? Hopefully Berman (if he isn't retired) gets to break it out week 1.
Berman would be more likely to go with "I'm Just Wild About"

Which wouldn't be a bad thread title, actually
 

tims4wins

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#81 needs to be unofficially retired - I don’t want to see anyone else in that jersey.
Because of 3 years of Moss?

Edit: based on current roster, here are the open #s
15
16
19
81
82
83
84
86
87
88

Maybe he will be 19, to signify the 2019 draft
 

Michelle34B

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Much more explosive and has better long speed than Treadwell. Look, Harry isn’t my favorite kind of receiver. I worry about his separation problems and struggles against press. But he’s not anywhere near Treadwell’s level.
Laquon Treadwell was just one of a few examples of why the NFL has soured on these types of receivers. I compared Harry to Demariyus Thomas, and why can succeed.
Much more explosive and has better long speed than Treadwell. Look, Harry isn’t my favorite kind of receiver. I worry about his separation problems and struggles against press. But he’s not anywhere near Treadwell’s level.
I didn't compare him to Treadwell, he was just an example of why the NFL may have soured on a WR of this profile.

Harry is a solid 230, was the only option on offense, and came out of college healthy. I love how hungry he plays to catch the ball and get that YAC. He's in a great position to succeed. I'd imagine Arizona had thoughts about taking him with the first pick of day two, and there is a run on WR coming at some point tonight.
 

Hombre

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Anyone see Bedard's tweet that they were dealing the pick to Atlanta? Did the Patriots have a deal in place in case the Rams passed on Atlanta's offer? If so, makes me wonder if they were that high on Harry if they were willing to drop to 45 to pick up yet another 3rd. It's possible Bedard got the team wrong, but it does make me wonder if his info was correct but the Rams made it moot.
 

mauf

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Anyone see Bedard's tweet that they were dealing the pick to Atlanta? Did the Patriots have a deal in place in case the Rams passed on Atlanta's offer? If so, makes me wonder if they were that high on Harry if they were willing to drop to 45 to pick up yet another 3rd. It's possible Bedard got the team wrong, but it does make me wonder if his info was correct but the Rams made it moot.
Absent further evidence, I’d assume Bedard’s source was just flat-out wrong.

Deals aren’t official until reported to the league, and assuming the deal was contingent on a certain player being available, that wouldn’t happen until the Pats were on the clock. But GMs need to be mindful of their reputations around the league. Other GMs wouldn’t look kindly on the Falcons shopping around for a better offer once they had already reached a contingent deal with the Pats.
 

Papelbon's Poutine

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Absent further evidence, I’d assume Bedard’s source was just flat-out wrong.

Deals aren’t official until reported to the league, and assuming the deal was contingent on a certain player being available, that wouldn’t happen until the Pats were on the clock. But GMs need to be mindful of their reputations around the league. Other GMs wouldn’t look kindly on the Falcons shopping around for a better offer once they had already reached a contingent deal with the Pats.
I don't agree with this at all. GMs in the league do what they need to. It's not baseball where there are a ton of trades. Other than draft day, NFL trades aren't very often and guys have short shelf lives in the control seat. If they had deals talked about with both teams - Rams and Pats - the Pats said "we'll do it for X" and then the Rams watched Deandre Baker go ahead of them and said, we'll take X-1 now" other GMs aren't burning bridges.
 

DourDoerr

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Berman would be more likely to go with "I'm Just Wild About"

Which wouldn't be a bad thread title, actually
Anglophobe!

I seem to recall him using "I'm just wild about" before - but perhaps I'm recalling the Rolling Stone interview where he rhapsodized poetically about Debbie Harry...
 

DennyDoyle'sBoil

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I always like these behind the scenes "Welcome to the Patriots" segments. I would love to see BB and Steven Wright do a comedic piece together.



New England Patriots

✔@Patriots



"Congratulations, you're a New England Patriot."
I notice that in these draft room videos, when they make the call in to whomever is in the building at the draft they always use the same terminology: "Write this name down." It seems a little formal and weird, but I guess it's like a fail safe so there's absolutely no confusion and that those are the magic words that mean "this is locked," kind of like how air traffic control only will use the word "takeoff" when they mean that there is clearance to take off.

It looks like there's no call from Robert Kraft this year. That's really kind of too bad, but understandable. I loved those snippets where he told Isaiah Wynn that they were expecting big things of him because he had a prophet's name or where he talked to Sony Michel about his great playoff games. It was a stupid little thing, but a nice touch.
 

dcmissle

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Harry was interviewed last night and said Kraft got on the call.
 

DennyDoyle'sBoil

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Harry was interviewed last night and said Kraft got on the call.
Interesting. So I guess they just didn't put it in the video. Which again is probably understandable. It's Harry's night and why create an issue for the twitterverse to make jokes or insults.
 

SMU_Sox

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Mark Schofield's pod today is excellent - discusses his strengths, weaknesses, and how NE could use him. LockedonPatriots. I follow him on the daily but this is a truly exceptional edition. I would recommend you all check it out.
 

SMU_Sox

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My thoughts on N'Keal Harry for ITP. Gets into the Patriots' record drafting WR, Harry's strengths and weaknesses, how much an "X" receiver really matters in the New England offense, and the developing "bully ball" offensive philosophy.

http://insidethepylon.com/nfl/2019/05/02/answering-questions-about-the-nkeal-harry-pick/
This is a must-read. I think my biggest miss on the draft was N’Keal. All the clues were there: he fits what they are doing now. They went with a WR who excelled on the team who is physically similar to him even if their games are different in Josh Gordon. He is versatile and blocks well. As you mention they don’t need him to be a pure traditional X and will likely use him in various roles where he can not face press. He can do a lot of things going in that CP84 and Gronk ran last year. Troy Brown talked about how they want their guys to be able to play each role if possible. Even if he doesn’t start out that way he has the potential to. I looked at him again. He has a few moves to beat press that he used well but and I can’t remember who wrote this or talked about it but when he is decisive and doesn’t use 6 steps and not go anywhere against press he wins. The problem is he needs to be more decisive and quicker in his decision making facing press.

Edit: Lombardi loved Harry. He was Lombardi’s number 1 receiver. Lombardi also mentioned that don’t be surprised if they go corner at 32. They were rumored to take Joejuan Williams at 32 but went with Harry (maybe because Harry said he was going to go by pick 33 to Arizona). Like @Super Nomario mentioned it’s possible they got their #1 WR, #1 CB/DB, #1 Punter, and maybe #1 RB while also adding Wino, Yodny, Froholdt, Stidham and Cowart. That’s a pretty good haul. Results are random but sure looks like these guys fit in.
 
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Red Averages

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My thoughts on N'Keal Harry for ITP. Gets into the Patriots' record drafting WR, Harry's strengths and weaknesses, how much an "X" receiver really matters in the New England offense, and the developing "bully ball" offensive philosophy.

http://insidethepylon.com/nfl/2019/05/02/answering-questions-about-the-nkeal-harry-pick/
Really great stuff here. Thank you!

Impressive to see your observation on the Patriots shifting to "bully ball" playing out in real time as well.
 

Jimbodandy

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Really great stuff here. Thank you!

Impressive to see your observation on the Patriots shifting to "bully ball" playing out in real time as well.
I concur. Great read on Harry and bully ball.

Understand the questions around Harry not having top end speed, but it's great hearing about his combination of elite strength and excellent hands. Having a guy who can fight for balls and catch them if his hands get there will be great to watch.
 
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Highly recommend Phil Perry’s Ex-Pats/Next Pats podcast this week. He interviews Harry’s position coach at ASU. Really good insight. That podcast is generally excellent.
 

leftfieldlegacy

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He was drafted as a wide out and his lack of top end speed is an issue when slotting him at that position. Instead, if you think of him as a tight end, his combine numbers become elite for all categories with the third fastest 40, second highest vertical and the most bench press reps. His height and weight put him at an apparent disadvantage compared to other TE in the draft, but his upper body strength is so superior to the average tight end that his 228# might not be an issue. Even compared to OL, only 12 (out of 37) benched more reps than he did at the combine. That kind of UB strength would allow him to neutralize many DL/edge rushers and LB on run plays.
 

ZMart100

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I disagree. Upper body strength has very little to do with run blocking. It's useful in pass protection, but I doubt they are going to keep him in as a pass blocker very often.
 

Super Nomario

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He was drafted as a wide out and his lack of top end speed is an issue when slotting him at that position. Instead, if you think of him as a tight end, his combine numbers become elite for all categories with the third fastest 40, second highest vertical and the most bench press reps. His height and weight put him at an apparent disadvantage compared to other TE in the draft, but his upper body strength is so superior to the average tight end that his 228# might not be an issue. Even compared to OL, only 12 (out of 37) benched more reps than he did at the combine. That kind of UB strength would allow him to neutralize many DL/edge rushers and LB on run plays.
His top-end speed isn't that bad - he ran a 4.53, same as Mike Evans and in the same ballpark as top receivers JuJu Smith-Schuster (4.54), Davante Adams (4.56), Nuke Hopkins (4.57), and Michael Thomas (4.57). He falls in the category of most NFL receivers, where he isn't going to win with his speed, but his speed can't be ignored.

I don't think it makes much sense to move him to tight end, as you seem to be suggesting, but I think you hit on something about his physical profile. Gronk was a tight end with tight end athleticism who was almost built like an offensive tackle; he was a physical mismatch for linebackers, much less the defensive backs who often covered him. In a similar way, Harry, is a wide receiver with wide receiver athleticism who is built almost like a small tight end. He's a physical mismatch for the cornerbacks who are going to be covering him, especially if they use him in the slot and he gets matched up on smaller slot CB. He's not going to outrace those guys, but he is so much bigger and more physical than the players who will be defending him, he will still be a handful.