Fans will expect great things from wide receiver N’Keal Harry after he was drafted in the first round by the New England Patriots. The Patriots used their No. 32 pick to select the former Arizona State standout. It's the first time in 19 years under head coach Bill Belichick that they picked a wideout in the first round. Earlier, Harry was described by Patriots' director of player personnel, Nick Caserio as a productive player over a three-year period with the Sun Devils. Caserio, also called Harry, is a big, strong receiver with good hands and a smart player.
With Harry’s 6-foot-2, 225-pound frame, Caserio said he will be hard to tackle.
In his junior season, Harry caught 73 passes for 1,088 yards and nine touchdowns. He created immediate impact with the Sun Devils in his freshman year, catching 58 passes for 659 yards and five touchdowns. He drastically improved in his second year as he caught it up 82 passes for 1,142 yards and eight touchdowns. Harry also showed his speed as he ran 23 times for 144 yards and three touchdowns and returned 14 punts for 165 yards and a score.
Harry’s college coach expects great things from wideout
Per an interview with Karen Guregian of the Boston Herald, Arizona State head coach Herm Edwards, who also worked as head coach of the New York Jets and Kansas City Chiefs, said Harry understands the pressure of playing alongside Tom Brady, whom he describes as “Captain America.” During his time as assistant coach in Kansas City, Edwards recalled that he saw legendary quarterback Joe Montana suit up for the Chiefs.
Edwards said many veteran players were scared to death of dropping a pass from Montana. However, Edwards is confident that Harry will do just fine when he catches passes from Brady.
Edwards confident that Brady will trust Harry
In the past, the Patriots drafted several wideouts, but they did not last long with the team. Among them were Chad Jackson (2006 second-round pick), Aaron Dobson (2013 second-round pick), Taylor Price (2010 third-round selection) and Josh Boyce (2013 fourth-round pick).
But Edwards is confident that Harry will play with the Patriots for a long time because of what he brings to the table.
The veteran NFL coach also knows that Brady will recognize Harry’s talent and eventually gives him his trust. “Tom will be good with him. He’ll see his talent, and he’ll know he can help him,” Edwards explained, saying that if Brady recognizes Harry’s ability to catch, he will trust him during tough situations.
“And once you earn (Tom’s) trust, you got a chance,” Edwards stressed. While Harry is primarily used on the outside, the Arizona State coach also said the wide receiver can also cover the routes primarily designated for now-retired tight end Rob Gronkowski.
